Bus drivers in London have reported falling asleep at the wheel and working in conditions described as unsafe and unhygienic, raising serious concerns about fatigue and welfare in one of the UK’s most safety-critical roles.
The allegations emerged following an investigation by ITV News, which included testimony from drivers who said exhaustion and poor working conditions were affecting their ability to do their jobs safely.
Transport for London, which oversees the capital’s bus network, told HRreview it was taking the issue seriously and working with operators to improve standards.
Fatigue and safety concerns raised by drivers
Drivers told ITV that fatigue had become a significant issue, with one reporting that he fell asleep at traffic lights after stopping his vehicle. He said he was only woken when other motorists sounded their horns.
The same driver described waking in shock, adding that the incident reflected how tired he had become.
Such accounts raise concerns about fatigue management in roles where alertness is critical to public safety, particularly in a network that carries millions of passengers each day.
Drivers also described poor conditions inside vehicle cabs, including excessive dust and inadequate cleaning.
One driver said he routinely had to wipe down surfaces before starting a shift, describing the cab as a “dust pot” with particles blowing into his face through the ventilation system.
Other reports suggested some drivers lacked access to basic facilities during shifts, with claims that individuals had resorted to urinating in bottles while on duty.
Taken together, the accounts point to wider concerns about welfare provision, hygiene standards and access to rest facilities across parts of the network.
TfL response focuses on standards and reporting
TfL said it was working with bus operators to address welfare concerns and improve conditions for drivers. Lorna Murphy, director of buses, told HRreview that the organisation was committed to maintaining high standards. “Bus drivers play an essential role in keeping the capital moving. Alongside bus operators, we take their safety and welfare seriously and we rightly require operators to meet high standards,” she said.
“We are working together on a range of measures to further improve working conditions, health and wellbeing. We are committed to ensuring that all staff have a fair work schedule, with safe vehicles and access to the facilities they need to carry out their roles effectively.
“We would like to reassure colleagues again that any reports from drivers are always fully investigated, and our operators should never take action against people raising concerns about welfare. We value all feedback from the thousands of people who work tirelessly to keep London’s bus network moving and would encourage anyone experiencing issues to raise these with their employer, their union or the Confidential Incident Reporting & Analysis Service anonymously,” she said.
TfL did not set out how welfare standards are audited or enforced across private bus operators. Nor did it directly address specific claims relating to fatigue monitoring or access to facilities.
Accountability and oversight under scrutiny
London’s bus services are operated by private companies under contract to TfL, placing responsibility for day-to-day management with operators while TfL sets standards and oversight requirements.
The situation raises broader questions about how consistently those standards are applied, particularly in areas such as fatigue risk management, scheduling and access to welfare facilities.
Experts say it highlights the importance of robust systems for managing fatigue and ensuring staff can raise concerns without fear of repercussions, especially in safety-critical environments. As scrutiny grows, the focus is likely to remain on whether existing safeguards are sufficient to protect both workers and the public.
William Furney is a Managing Editor at Black and White Trading Ltd based in Kingston upon Hull, UK. He is a prolific author and contributor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional, with over 127 published posts covering HR, employee engagement, and workplace wellbeing topics. His writing focuses on contemporary employment issues including pension schemes, employee health, financial struggles affecting workers, and broader workplace trends.
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
