National Express bus drivers in the West Midlands have reported experiencing severe heat stress during recent heatwave events, with cabin temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The drivers, all with more than two decades of experience, describe working environments characterised by profuse sweating and physical exhaustion that compromises both their wellbeing and their ability to operate heavy vehicles safely. Additionally, passengers have suffered heat-related incidents including fainting episodes, raising broader safety concerns throughout the public transport system.

In response, National Express has implemented additional breaks during extreme temperatures, though many drivers remain unaware of the policy and worry about wage impacts and service delays. Unite union has distributed documentation informing drivers of their legal right to refuse work under unsafe conditions, whilst attributing the problem partly to the greenhouse effect created by the buses' glass construction. The issue has attracted political attention, with lawmakers pledging to establish maximum workplace temperature regulations and transport authorities examining infrastructure improvements.