Mayor admits bus driver rules 'not fit for purpose' after heatwave concerns
Sadiq Khan declines specific legislation for London bus drivers, proposing broader worker protections instead
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Only one named source (Mayor) with no direct document or independent outlet cited.
Higher is stronger
No affected workers quoted; vague figures and no clear next steps.
Higher is stronger
Headline overstates Mayor's direct praise and campaign impact.
Lower is better
The Mayor of London has admitted that regulations protecting bus drivers are inadequate, following reports of drivers working in unsafe conditions during recent heatwaves. Sadiq Khan told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that current rules are 'not fit for purpose' and instructed Transport for London to review them.
The admission comes after MyLondon reported that bus drivers had been forced to work in sweltering cabs, with one driver claiming his pay was docked for refusing to drive a vehicle without proper air cooling. Khan praised MyLondon’s 'Back Our Bus Drivers' campaign, which highlighted the issue.
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Assembly motion ignored
Last month, the London Assembly unanimously passed a motion calling for a Bus Driver Bill of Rights to improve working conditions. City Hall has not yet responded to the motion, which sought guarantees on temperature control, fatigue management and toilet access for drivers.
Khan declined to support specific legislation for bus drivers. Instead, he suggested a broader 'Bill of Rights' for all frontline workers in London and beyond. 'Bus drivers are one of the many categories of frontline workers who are struggling with the current extreme heatwave,' he said.
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It is really important that we thank frontline workers like our bus drivers, but also recognise the challenges that they are facing in terms of being in a greenhouse, driving dozens of passengers, potentially suffering from fatigue.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
Petition demands action
A petition calling for temperature, fatigue and toilet access guarantees in TfL contracts has gathered thousands of signatures. The campaign reflects wider concerns about working conditions for bus drivers, particularly during extreme weather.
Transport for London and the Mayor have previously argued that existing legislation already covers these demands. However, Khan’s recent comments suggest a shift in approach, with TfL now instructed to work with bus operators and the Unite union to update regulations.
What happens next
City Hall has not set a timeline for responding to the London Assembly’s motion or the petition. TfL is expected to review bus driver regulations in consultation with operators and unions, but no formal proposals have been announced. Residents can track progress through the London Assembly’s website or TfL’s public consultations.
Questions this report answers
+What did the Mayor say about bus driver regulations?
Sadiq Khan admitted current regulations are 'not fit for purpose' after reports of drivers working in extreme heat without proper cooling. He instructed TfL to review rules in consultation with operators and unions, but did not commit to specific legislation for bus drivers.
+What is the London Assembly calling for?
The London Assembly passed a motion last month demanding a Bus Driver Bill of Rights to guarantee temperature control, fatigue management and toilet access. City Hall has not yet responded to the motion or outlined next steps.
+How many people have signed the petition for bus driver rights?
A petition calling for temperature, fatigue and toilet access guarantees in TfL contracts has gathered thousands of signatures. The exact number is not specified in the available reports, but it reflects significant public concern.
+What happens next for bus driver regulations?
TfL is expected to review bus driver regulations in consultation with operators and the Unite union. No formal proposals or timelines have been announced, but residents can monitor progress through the London Assembly or TfL’s public consultations.
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