'Think of the next heatwave' - West Brom bus driver warns as petition for aircon nears 2,000 signatures
Gavin Hall has urged people to “think of the next heatwave” as he continues his petition to get aircon on all UK buses.
A West Bromwich bus driver who launched a petition to make air conditioning mandatory on UK public transport has urged supporters to keep pushing despite the cooler weather.
Gavin Hall launched the petition after struggling to cope under “strenuous” conditions during the rare red weather warning for extreme heat that covered parts on the UK last week.
Many businesses, schools and public services were either closed or operating alternative hours due to the weather conditions between on June 24 and 25. But many people are still going to work as usual - including bus drivers like Gavin who is calling on support from the public to make aircon mandatory on UK buses as he feels the weather is impacting drivers safety and comfort.
The petition has now gained more than 1,900 signatures since it launched - but now that temperatures have cooled, Gavin has urged his supporters to keep pushing and think of the future.
In a message to supporters after receiving 1,000 signatures, Gavin wrote: “Hi all, I wanted to let you know that we now have over 1000 signatures on this petition. Thank you so much for your support!
“We need to keep pushing and sharing and keep it moving, it may lose a little traction now the weather is set to cool, but think about the next heatwave, better to be ready for it. Thanks again for supporting this cause.”
National Express West Midlands have claimed some of their buses do have air conditioning already but if extreme heat becomes the norm for the UK, fitting them in all buses may be reviewed.
A National Express Bus spokesperson said: “The current hot weather conditions experienced across the UK are unprecedented. We recognise that bus driving in this kind of extreme heat can be unpleasant, and we would like to thank all our drivers for keeping the region moving. At National Express Bus, all our new electric vehicles have air conditioning.
“As the UK historically has had a mild climate, retrofitting air conditioning in buses was not cost-effective for the limited number of days it would have been useful. However, if current weather conditions become the norm this may need to be reviewed."
Other transport providers, the Department for Transport and the West Midlands Combined Authority were also contacted for a comment.
To sign the petition, click here.