Drivers at eight Arriva garages have backed strike action over dangerously hot cabs, raising the prospect of widespread disruption alongside planned Piccadilly line closures.
North london is set to face its biggest bus strike in nine years after Arriva drivers voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action.
More than 96% of drivers who took part in the ballot backed strike action in a dispute over dangerously hot driving cabs and ineffective cooling systems, according to information provided to London Bus Forums News.
Eight of the 10 garages involved in the ballot secured a mandate for strike action.
The garages that secured a mandate are Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green. Clapton and Dartford did not secure a mandate and will not be included in any walkout resulting from the ballot.
Major routes operated by Arriva London North include the 29, 38, 73, 149, 243, 279 and 341.
Stamford Hill recorded the highest number of votes, with particularly strong support also reported at Wood Green and Tottenham.
No strike dates have yet been announced publicly.
London Bus Forums News understands the action would be the biggest bus strike to affect north London since 2017.
Image: Nigel Harris / Getty
‘Enough is enough’
Peter Skinner, a Unite representative at Wood Green bus garage, told London Bus Forums News: “Enough is enough.”
Drivers have repeatedly raised concerns about ineffective air-cooling systems and the lack of proper air conditioning in bus cabs.
A driver at Tottenham bus garage told London Bus Forums News the dispute was about drivers’ health and safety.
He said: “Cab temperatures have been recorded as high as 45°C. It is like sitting in an oven, and drivers can spend up to five and a half hours behind the wheel before getting a proper break. It is dangerous.
“It is 2026 and these buses cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, yet drivers are still expected to work without functioning air conditioning. Colleagues of mine have passed out because of fatigue and heat exhaustion. Something has to change before somebody is seriously hurt.”
Drivers have also criticised instructions to take short cooling-down breaks before returning to the same overheated vehicle.
Unite has said most Arriva north London buses use air-cooling systems rather than air conditioning and that drivers reported temperatures remaining in the high 30s during recent hot weather.
The union said the systems had reduced temperatures by only two or three degrees in some cases, leaving drivers suffering from fatigue and working in conditions they considered unbearable.
Unite has accused Arriva of failing to act on concerns raised in previous years and has called for improved air conditioning to be installed.
Strike could coincide with Piccadilly line closures
Any strike action taking place later in August could coincide with planned closures on the Piccadilly line.
TfL has announced closures between Cockfosters and Uxbridge from 18 to 20 August and again from 25 to 27 August.
The affected section includes Wood Green Underground station, opposite Arriva’s Wood Green bus garage.
Should the walkouts coincide with the closures, passengers could face widespread disruption across north London and additional pressure on other bus, rail and Underground services.
Arriva yet to comment
London Bus Forums News previously asked Arriva what action it was taking to address reports of ineffective air-cooling systems, whether affected vehicles had been inspected or removed from service and whether the company disputed claims made by Unite and drivers.
Arriva acknowledged the enquiry and asked for the publication deadline, but no statement was subsequently provided.
Arriva has been approached again following the ballot result.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated which garages had not secured a mandate. Unite has confirmed that Clapton and Dartford did not secure a mandate, while Barking is included among the eight garages covered by the proposed action.
1m ago
17:13
TfL approached over strike disruption and Piccadilly line closures
London Bus Forums News has asked Transport for London what contingency plans are being prepared for passengers affected by the Arriva strike action.
TfL has also been asked whether additional services will be considered on dates that coincide with planned Piccadilly line closures and what advice it will give passengers travelling in north London.
Source: London Bus Forums News
5m ago
16:30
Arriva says it is investing in cab air conditioning upgrades
Arriva London has responded following the announcement of 22 days of strike action by more than 1,500 drivers.
Wasim Mohammed, Arriva London managing director, said: “We take the welfare of our drivers seriously and understand the impact of this extreme weather on them.
“We are working closely with Transport for London to support both our colleagues and customers during these hot spells. We’ve introduced short-term measures to protect drivers, and we’re investing in longer-term fixes, including cab air conditioning upgrades and our ongoing investment in new fleet.
“We remain ready to sit down with Unite at any time to discuss these important issues and find a resolution that avoids both strike action and the disruption it would cause to customers.”
Source: Arriva London
Just now
15:47
More than 1,500 Arriva drivers to strike across 22 days
Unite has confirmed that more than 1,500 Arriva bus drivers at eight garages will take 22 days of strike action between August and October.
The garages affected are Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green.
The walkouts will take place on 14 to 15 August, 18 to 21 August, 25 to 28 August, 4 to 5 September, 7 to 8 September, 18 to 19 September, 21 to 22 September, 2 to 3 October, 5 to 6 October, 16 to 17 October and 19 to 20 October.
Unite said the action would lead to significant delays and cancellations, with some strike dates taking place alongside planned Piccadilly line closures.
Regional officer Steven Stockwell said the union remained willing to enter meaningful talks with Arriva, but accused the company of failing to listen to drivers.
Source: Unite the Union
5h ago
09:36
Unite preparing further update on strike dispute
Unite has told London Bus Forums News that it expects to issue a further announcement on the dispute today or tomorrow.
The union said London Bus Forums News would receive the release when it is published.
No strike dates have yet been announced publicly.
Source: Unite the Union
