Mayor pledges support for bus drivers in heatwave

London's mayor is working to get more support for bus drivers to help them cope with the hot weather, his office has announced.

Last year, complaints about London buses reached their highest level on record and although more than 6,000 London buses have air-cooling systems, most are not air-conditioned, according to Transport for London (TfL).

The Unite union welcomed his commitment after campaigning for help for its members in the capital's bus network.

A spokesperson for the mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, said: "The mayor recognises the vital role of London's hard-working bus drivers to keep the capital moving around the clock, and he is committed to continually improving working conditions."

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "It is totally unacceptable for any bus driver to be put at risk due to high temperatures.

"Sadiq Khan has said the right thing here. It is now essential that bus operators listen to him and ensure that their workers and passengers are safe during this sweltering weather."

The mayor's spokesperson said Sir Sadiq and TfL "take London's bus drivers' safety and welfare very seriously".

They added: "The mayor is in close contact with TfL during the heatwave and has asked that they work with bus operators to put in place more support for drivers.

"This is in addition to the comprehensive hot weather plan in place to protect all staff and customers during the warm weather.

"All driver cabs are fitted with air-cooling systems and checks on these are taking place.

"If air-cooling systems on a vehicle are not functioning and drivers do not feel they can carry out their duties safely, they should contact the controller and stop driving, with no risk of any penalties."

Sir Sadiq said he encouraged any driver with concerns to contact their employer, their union, or a confidential reporting service, saying they would be taken seriously and fully investigated.

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