Arriva driver strikes began today in London and Essex

The strike, which began at 4am today (August 18), is set to continue until 4.30am on Friday, August 21, affecting routes across north London and parts of south and west Essex.

Drivers are taking industrial action amid concerns over cab temperatures after five recorded heatwaves this summer and a sixth on its way in September.

The dispute centres on health and safety risks posed by the high temperatures, which drivers say have led to cases of heatstroke and fears of drivers passing out at the wheel.

The strike involves more than 1,500 Arriva North London drivers across eight garages, including Grays in south Essex, Barking, Edmonton, Enfield, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham, and Wood Green.

Steve Stockwell, regional officer for Unite the Union, said driving conditions this summer have been "some of the worst they’ve ever been," despite warnings issued 18 months ago.

Arriva has responded by emphasising its commitment to staff welfare.

Wasim Mohammed, managing director of Arriva London, said: "Extreme heat is creating challenges across many sectors.

"The wellbeing of our colleagues and customers is our top priority, and we are working closely with Transport for London to ensure appropriate support is in place.

"We urge Unite to come back to the negotiating table and engage with us constructively so we can avoid further disruption."

The company said it is introducing regular breaks, welfare checks during hot weather, and investing in upgraded air conditioning systems and new buses.

The dispute has led to a series of planned strikes expected to continue until mid-October.

Arriva bus services in and around London and Essex are among those affected.

Essex routes impacted include the 370 between Romford and Lakeside and the 150 between Chigwell and Becontree.

Arriva driver Peter Crane shows a photo of a temperature reading from inside his cab at 44C, as he takes part in strike action at Wood Green Bus station in north London (Image: Tom Jeffreys/PA Wire)

Services on the county's border and outskirts which are affected include the 66 between Leytonstone and Romford, the 158 between Chingford and Stratford, and the 175 between Dagenham and North Romford.

Other affected routes include the 217 between Waltham Cross and Turnpike Lane, the 279 between Waltham Cross and Manor House, the 313 between Potters Bar and Chingford.

The current strike action is part of a wider campaign of industrial action organised by Unite the Union, with additional walkouts planned on the following dates:

• August 25–28
• September 4–5
• September 7–8
• September 18–19
• September 21–22
• October 2–3
• October 5–6
• October 16–17
• October 19–20

Arriva has urged Unite to return to negotiations to help resolve the dispute and minimise disruption for passengers.

The company has said it is taking steps to address drivers’ concerns, including welfare improvements and long-term investment in its fleet.

The full list of 42 bus routes affected are:

• 19 – Between Finsbury Park and Battersea Bridge
• 29 – Between Wood Green and Trafalgar Square
• 34 – Between Walthamstow and Barnet
• 41 – Between Tottenham Hale and Archway
• 66 – Between Leytonstone and Romford
• 67 – Between Wood Green and Dalston
• 76 – Between Tottenham Hale and Waterloo
• 102 – Between Edmonton Green and Brent Cross
• 121 – Between Turnpike Lane and Enfield Island Village
• 141 – Between Palmers Green and London Bridge
• 149 – Between Edmonton Green and London Bridge
• 150 – Between Chigwell and Becontree
• 158 – Between Chingford and Stratford
• 175 – Between Dagenham and North Romford
• 191 – Between Edmonton Green and Brimsdown
• 192 – Between Enfield and Tottenham Hale
• 217 – Between Waltham Cross and Turnpike Lane
• 221 – Between Edgware and Turnpike Lane
• 243 – Between Wood Green and Waterloo
• 248 – Between Cranham and Romford Market
• 254 – Between Holloway and Aldgate
• 259 – Between Edmonton Green and King’s Cross
• 279 – Between Waltham Cross and Manor House
• 307 – Between Barnet Hospital and Brimsdown
• 313 – Between Potters Bar and Chingford
• 329 – Between Enfield and Wood Green
• 341 – Between Meridian Water and Waterloo
• 349 – Between Ponders End and Stamford Hill
• 370 – Between Romford and Lakeside
• 375 – Between Romford and Passingford Bridge
• 377 – Between Oakwood and Ponders End
• 616 – Between Edmonton Green and Winchmore Hill
• 675 – Between Walthamstow and Woodford Green
• SL1 – Between Walthamstow and North Finchley
• SL2 – Between Walthamstow and North Woolwich
• W3 – Between Northumberland Park and Finsbury Park
• W4 – Between Tottenham Hale and Oakthorpe Park
• W6 – Between Edmonton Green and Southgate
• N19 – Between Finsbury Park and Clapham Junction
• N29 – Between Enfield and Trafalgar Square
• N41 – Between Tottenham Hale and Trafalgar Square
• N279 – Between Waltham Cross and Trafalgar Square