Bus drivers employed by National Express in the West Midlands have publicly described severe working conditions during recent heatwaves, with temperatures reaching 40C inside vehicle cabs. Three drivers with more than 20 years of service each characterized the environment as unbearable, noting excessive sweating and fatigue that compromised their ability to operate heavy vehicles safely. One driver reported that passengers have lost consciousness during journeys, while another described clothing becoming soaked with perspiration.
The UK experienced three consecutive heatwaves in recent months, with temperatures exceeding 37C last month during what was recorded as the nation’s hottest June day. The Met Office subsequently warned that climate extremes were becoming routine for the UK. The difficult working conditions have prompted renewed attention to transport worker welfare across the UK and Europe. Green MP Hannah Spencer announced plans to introduce parliamentary legislation establishing maximum workplace temperatures, while London’s mayor pledged additional support for bus drivers during heat events.
National Express implemented 30-minute additional breaks to address heat concerns, though union representatives noted many drivers remained unaware of the policy and worried about potential wage impacts and service delays. Unite, the union representing affected workers, highlighted that older buses with glass windows create a greenhouse effect, trapping heat inside cabs. Union General Secretary Sharon Graham called for immediate action, stating that bus operators must prioritize safety over financial considerations and address the escalating problem caused by increasingly frequent heatwaves.
Unite provided drivers with a formal letter asserting their legal right to refuse work when conditions become unsafe due to inadequate cooling systems. National Express acknowledged recent weather as unprecedented and noted that new electric vehicles in their fleet include air conditioning. The company stated that retrofitting cooling systems in older buses was previously considered cost-ineffective given the UK’s historically mild climate, though this calculation may require reassessment if extreme heat becomes standard. The operator emphasized driver safety protocols and thanked staff for maintaining service during difficult conditions.
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