UK Bus Drivers Suffer in Sweltering Heat, Raising Safety Concerns

As the UK grapples with the increasing frequency of heatwaves, bus drivers in the West Midlands are bearing the brunt of the sweltering temperatures. Drivers have reported working conditions that are 'unbearable', with temperatures reaching 40C in their cabs. The lack of adequate air conditioning has left drivers exhausted, with some even passing out on the job.

You're sweating down your back, your face... it's just been terrible, it's just been too hot.

The situation has raised serious safety concerns for both drivers and passengers. Unite, the union representing National Express drivers, has criticized the company for not taking the concerns of drivers seriously. The union's general secretary, Sharon Graham, has called on bus firms to prioritize the safety of employees and passengers over profits.

The UK's heatwaves have become the 'new normal', with the Met Office warning of climate extremes becoming more frequent. The new prime minister, Andy Burnham, has pledged to transform the UK's public transport infrastructure, which may address the concerns of bus drivers. However, drivers are calling for immediate action to address the safety concerns, with one driver stating that 'someone passing out at the wheel' would be the only way to get the company's attention.