Unite, the UK's leading union in passenger transport, is calling for urgent action to protect London bus drivers as the capital is currently experiencing a heatwave, which is seeing highs of at least 30 degrees Celsius.

Heatwaves can heavily impact driver health and wellbeing and exacerbate the already dangerous problem of bus driver fatigue.

During hot weather, the temperature inside driver cabs becomes even warmer than it is outside. Cab temperatures can often exceed 40 degrees, as glass windows trap heat and create a ‘greenhouse’ effect.

Meanwhile drivers have expressed concern to Unite that some buses, including newer models, remain in service despite air conditioning being broken while some models of buses are only equipped with less effective air cooling systems.

High temperatures can significantly worsen driver fatigue, putting bus drivers, passengers and pedestrians at risk. Long shifts in the heat can slow drivers' responses, diminish concentration, as well as cause dizziness and an increased chance of fainting at the wheel. Meanwhile many drivers avoid drinking water as they do not have proper access to toilets, leading to dehydration.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "For too long London bus drivers have suffered from the effects of high temperatures while TfL and bus companies have failed to act. It is absolutely unacceptable.

“Every year we have the same problem during hot weather and yet no progress is being made to protect workers.

“This is a serious problem that risks the safety of drivers as well as millions of Londoners. It requires immediate, decisive action, which Unite will not stop fighting for.”

Many newer London buses are equipped with air cooling systems, which takes air from the outside and circulates it around, as opposed to air conditioning which actively chills air using refrigerants and is more effective. Air cooling systems can only lower temperatures by a few degrees, meaning buses and driver cabs still remain too hot.

Drivers regularly report that air conditioning is often faulty and doesn’t reduce the air temperature. One driver said: "There is poor maintenance of buses. Heating and air conditioning never works, if it does you can't control to individual needs."

Another said: "In the hot weather, the cabs can get unbearably hot and stuffy. It is not good for our alertness and health, as well as our customers who are suffering as well."

If air cooling systems or air conditioning on buses are not working properly then vehicles should not be taken into service and bus drivers should be able to state this without fear of repercussions from their employer.

However, bus drivers fear being disciplined or losing pay if they complain – they are often under pressure to finish journeys quickly and have to do overtime if they experience delays, which further intensifies fatigue.

As part of the Fight Fatigue Now campaign, Unite is calling for fatigue management to be introduced into London buses, for example for employers to stop disciplining drivers who say they are fatigued and clear rules for drivers who currently have to drive the bus in heatwaves with no air con.

Unite regional officer Nadine Edwards said: "While TfL and the bus companies claim to have protocols in place for managing driver health and safety during heatwaves, it is clear these go nowhere near far enough.

"They must work with Unite to find meaningful solutions to this problem and ensure drivers are not disciplined when they speak up about a bus needing to be taken out of service as it is not fit to operate in high temperatures. If this does not happen as a matter of urgency, drivers and the public will remain at risk."

ENDS

Notes to editors

Unite recently launched its Fight Fatigue Now campaign, which is calling on TfL, London mayor Sadiq Khan and employers to act on the issue meaningfully.

Unite’s demands include: 

· Introduce fatigue management into the TfL buses, for example stop disciplining drivers for fatigue, and agreements for drivers who currently have to drive buses in heatwaves with no air-con.

· Establish consistency across scheduling and rosters, such as a minimum of 12-hour breaks between duties and consistent start times to combat fatigue.

· Improve rest, toilet and welfare facilities. Unite's poll found 52 per cent of London bus drivers had poor facilities at work, and some drivers still have breaks by the side of the road.

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite press officer Natasha Wynarczyk on 07970081524

Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org