Reform politician backs bus driver campaign over 'Victorian' conditions

London bus drivers continue to operate in conditions described as 'Victorian' by Reform politician Keith Prince, who has lent his support to MyLondon's Back Our Bus Drivers campaign. Mr Prince, a London Assembly Member, stated that despite years of pressure, driver conditions have not improved.

Mr Prince's concerns encompass long hours, fatigue, workplace pressures, and inadequate access to welfare facilities. He highlighted instances of drivers working in extreme heat and facing extended shifts with minimal rest days. 'It's almost Victorian Dickens could have written a book about it,' Mr Prince told MyLondon. He added that reducing driver fatigue is a preventable measure that would lead to fewer accidents.

Survey reveals widespread driver fatigue

A survey conducted by the Unite trade union earlier this year indicated the extent of driver fatigue. It found that 36 per cent of staff surveyed reported experiencing sleepiness while driving two to three times a week. A further 24 per cent reported this happening once a week. The survey also revealed that almost half of drivers, 48 per cent, had a 'close call' due to fatigue within the past 12 months.

Mr Prince previously led a successful motion at the London Assembly calling for minimum standards for bus drivers, which was passed unanimously. He described his involvement in politics as stemming from a care for people and stated it was 'morally' correct to support the campaign for better conditions, comparing it to the installation of a rape crisis centre in Redbridge when he led the council.

TfL's commitment to tackling fatigue

Lorna Murphy, TfL's Director of Buses, acknowledged that tackling fatigue is essential for the safety and welfare of drivers and passengers. 'We rightly require operators to meet high welfare standards and we’re committed to ensuring that all staff have a fair work schedule, with safe vehicles and access to the rest facilities they need,' Ms Murphy stated.

Transport for London is committed to working with bus operators and Unite to trial new methods for addressing fatigue. These initiatives include testing advanced technology on buses that can alert drivers when fatigue is detected. TfL also plans to improve data gathering and analysis to better understand fatigue patterns and implement evidence-based actions to support driver health and wellbeing.