London bus drivers warn cab temperatures remain a serious safety concern almost a year after BBC London highlighted drivers working in extreme heat.
Drivers have told London Bus Forums that some cabs are still reaching temperatures of around 40C or above. They say broken or poorly maintained cooling systems are leaving drivers exposed to heat stress, fatigue and loss of concentration behind the wheel.
London Bus Forums was sent a further image by a driver on 25 May 2026 at around 16:10, appearing to show a cab temperature above 40C while on duty. The image was shared on the same day the UK provisionally recorded its hottest May day on record, with 33.5C recorded at London Heathrow, according to the Met Office.
In a BBC London report broadcast on 1 July 2025, drivers described cab temperatures reaching close to 40C, with one driver saying conditions inside the cab could become “intolerable”. Another said the air conditioning was making noise but was not properly cooling the cab.
Concerns continue almost a year later
Drivers say little has changed since the BBC report was broadcast.
London Bus Forums has received reports from drivers who say cab air conditioning faults are still occurring across the network. Some drivers have also claimed that even brand new 2026 buses have entered service with cab cooling systems that do not work properly.
The claims raise questions over maintenance standards, defect reporting and whether buses are being allowed to remain in service when the driver’s cab is not safe during hot weather.
The BBC report also highlighted concerns over soaked fabric seats, drivers bringing spare uniform to work and fears that heat inside the cab can affect concentration behind the wheel.
Transport for London says bus operators have hot weather protocols in place, including air conditioning in drivers’ cabs, relaxed uniform rules, water and cooling towels. But drivers say the reality on the ground is often very different, with faulty systems not always repaired quickly enough.
London bus cab air conditioning concerns raised at City Hall
The issue has also been raised at City Hall.
TfL Commissioner Andy Lord previously told the London Assembly that if air cooling or air conditioning on a bus is not serviceable, the bus should not be taken into service. He also said drivers have a responsibility to refuse to take a bus into service where the system is not working properly.
“If air cooling or air conditioning is not serviceable, the bus should not be taken into service.
Andy Lord, TfL Commissioner, speaking to the London Assembly
In a statement to London Bus Forums, Lorna Murphy, TfL’s Director of Buses, said TfL takes bus drivers’ safety and welfare seriously and that operators are required to meet high standards.
She said bus operators have hot weather plans in place, including air cooling systems in all driver cabs, and that if air cooling systems are not functioning and drivers do not feel they can carry out their duties safely, they should contact the controller so action can be taken to support them.
TfL also said bus operators should never take action against staff for raising welfare concerns.
London Bus Forums has asked drivers to continue sending evidence of excessive cab temperatures and defective cooling systems.
The comments are significant because they place responsibility not only on operators to maintain vehicles, but also make clear that drivers should not be expected to drive buses where cab cooling is defective.
Drivers fear consequences for refusing unsafe buses
Despite TfL’s position, some drivers say they remain worried about refusing a bus with defective cab air conditioning.
Drivers have told London Bus Forums they fear being disciplined, losing pay or even putting their job at risk if they declare a bus unfit for service because of extreme cab temperatures.
Some drivers say this fear can leave them feeling under pressure to take out vehicles even when cab conditions may not be safe.
London Bus Forums believes clearer guidance is needed across all operators so drivers know they are supported when reporting defective cab cooling systems and refusing vehicles that are not safe or fit to drive in extreme heat.
A safety issue, not a comfort issue
London Bus Forums believes London bus drivers cab temperatures are not simply a comfort issue. They are a health and safety issue for drivers, passengers and other road users.
A driver working in a poorly ventilated cab with broken cooling and temperatures approaching or exceeding 40C may be at greater risk of fatigue, dehydration, heat stress or loss of concentration. In a safety critical role, that should concern everyone.
Drivers are being encouraged to report faulty cab air conditioning, record concerns through the correct channels and refuse unsafe vehicles where necessary.
The message is clear: if the cab cooling system is defective and the vehicle is not fit to drive safely, the bus should not be in service.
London Bus Forums is continuing to collect reports from drivers about cab temperatures and defective air conditioning across the London bus network.
Drivers can contact us confidentially with details of their garage, operator, route and any supporting evidence.
Email: [email protected]
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