Bus drivers are set for a walk-out after overwhelmingly voting in favour of industrial action.

Around 210 Arriva drivers in Medway were balloted on whether to strike for industrial action over the introduction of what they regarded as “unachievable and unsafe” timetables, according to their union, Unite.

Around 800 people signed a petition against the changes, which came in this June and saw a number of services in the Towns dropped.

These included all buses to and from the Medway City Estate with its 6,000 workers, and elderly people cut off from town centres.

Unite regional officer Dave Weeks said: “The ballot was overwhelmingly in favour of strike action – an excellent result.

“We are currently consulting with our members over the next steps in this dispute.

“We are urging management get their heads out of the sand and come up with a workable solution to the problem.”

Unite was meeting Arriva representatives today to discuss the terms of an acceptable solution.

Unite claims drivers are being kept at the wheel for five-and-a-half hours at a time, with just four minutes' recovery time, and no chance to access to toilet facilities.

Previously Mr Weeks said: “These timetable changes make it impossible for drivers to deliver a reliable and safe service.

“The current driving conditions are leading to drivers being behind the wheel for excessive periods without even the time for a comfort break.”

An Arriva spokesman said they were working through the issues Unite raised and the new timetable changes should come into place on Sunday, January 24.

“Arriva recognises there are a number of operating issues around the current timetable and working practices at the Gillingham depot and is progressing talks with union representatives to try to find a solution.

"We have offered improvements to the drivers’ duties such as extending breaks and reducing duty shifts in order to relieve some of the pressure they are under.

“Unfortunately some errors were made during the route planning process which did not come to light until pupils returned to school in September.

"We have spent some time examining the data and are now beginning to implement the required route corrections.

“Arriva believes the new routes, plus the improved working conditions, should have a positive impact on the work our drivers carry out, and the quality of service we offer our customers.”