Arriva bus drivers strike over 40C cabs risking heatstroke and crashes

Bus drivers for Arriva North London walked out on 14 August, launching the first of 11 planned strike days over working conditions they describe as dangerous. More than 1,500 drivers from eight garages are refusing to work, citing cab temperatures that regularly exceed 40C and have reached 44C. Unite the Union, which organised the action, says the heat has caused drivers to fall ill with heatstroke and nearly lose control of their vehicles.

Drivers report heatstroke and near-crashes

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Peter Crane, a driver with 22 years at Arriva, spoke from a picket outside Wood Green bus garage. He showed reporters a photograph of his cab’s temperature gauge reading 44C. "It makes you drowsy, uncomfortable, sweating, sticky," he said. "It’s like being in a greenhouse. You can’t walk out. It’s not like an air-conditioned office."

How long is it going to be before a driver does pass out on the wheel? Think of the carnage of a 14-tonne bus with 80 people in it, that could make a big mess.

Peter Skinner, Arriva bus driver

Another driver, Peter Skinner, said the heat was exhausting and warned of potential disasters. Around 50 protesters held placards outside the garage, with passing vehicles honking in support. Drivers said Transport for London had advised them of their right to refuse to drive in extreme heat but feared disciplinary action from Arriva.

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Arriva says it has added support measures

Arriva London’s managing director, Wasim Mohammed, said the company had introduced additional measures during hot weather, including regular breaks and welfare checks. He added that Arriva was investing in long-term improvements, such as upgraded air conditioning systems and new buses. These changes, he said, are being led by TfL as part of its extreme heat taskforce.

Steve Stockwell, Unite’s regional officer, said driving conditions this summer had been among the worst ever, despite previous warnings to bus operators. "They need to do something to keep our drivers cool," he said. "We need a structure to get air conditioning on all our buses."

Strikes will disrupt routes until October

The strikes will affect bus routes across north and east London and Essex. Arriva operates services in Barnet, including routes 107, 184, 221, 234, 263, 307, and 326. Passengers are advised to check TfL’s website for real-time updates on disruptions. The next strike days are scheduled for 21 and 22 August, with further action planned until 20 October.

Arriva has urged Unite to return to negotiations to avoid further disruption. Mohammed said the company’s priority was the wellbeing of staff and customers. "We urge Unite to come back to the negotiating table and engage with us constructively," he said.