London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has instructed bus drivers to stop their vehicles if they deem the cabin temperature unsafe, amid a record-breaking heatwave that saw the UK's hottest June day on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching 36C in Surrey.
Mayor's Directive on Driver Safety
Speaking on Wednesday, Khan said he had instructed Transport for London (TfL) to contact every bus operator to ensure cooling systems are working and to confirm that bus performance indicators do not apply during the heatwave. “I was concerned that bus drivers may be worried they'll be penalised for not following a strict timetable,” he said. “But also I've been quite clear that bus drivers who think their cabin is too hot or the bus is too hot must stop. They shouldn't risk their own personal safety or that of their passengers.”
Personal Connection to the Issue
Khan recalled his father's experiences driving a bus during the 1976 heatwave, saying: “I remember really well my dad telling me stories about 1976 and how awful it was for him driving a bus.” He emphasised that drivers should not fear punishment for prioritising safety over schedules.
Impact on Travel and Schools
Transport bosses have urged people to avoid travel on Wednesday and Thursday, warning of disrupted journeys. Travel into central London has dropped compared to last week as workers stay home. More than 300 schools across the nation have been at least partly closed due to the heat.
Calls for Government Action
The heatwave has renewed demands for the government to better protect the UK from extreme heat, including cooling for hospitals, schools, and care homes. The Met Office confirmed that the frequency and intensity of heatwaves have increased globally due to climate change.
Professor Stephen Belcher, Met Office chief scientist, said: “Human induced climate change has made events like this more likely and more intense. To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply.”
