Bus drivers could be banned from wearing shorts as a way to make them look smarter.

For years Brighton and Hove Bus Company has allowed its staff to bare their legs when they are sat behind the wheel.

Some workers claim it is comfier in the summer months when temperatures rise.

But bosses at the firm have said they are in talks to scrap the shorts to make staff look more professional.

One driver, who did not want to be named, said: “Passengers do not care what their driver looks like or his attitude; all they care about is punctuality and reliability.

“It took them ages to get shorts.

“But eventually it was agreed as long as the drivers bought them out of their pocket from the company’s own tailors.

“It just seems to be a way of aggravating people. If it’s not broke, don’t try to fix it.”

Brighton and Hove bus drivers currently wear a uniform of black trousers or shorts and white shirts.

The move is rumoured to be part of a wider move by Brighton and Hove’s new managing director, Martin Harris, to create closer links with Metrobus, which operates services in East and West Sussex.

Both are owned by national firm Go-Ahead.

Rob Macey, of the GMB, which represents some of the firm’s bus drivers, said: “The new managing director has only been in the post for a few weeks and he is already creating chaos. We will be encouraging our members to sign a collective grievance against this move.”

Mr Harris said: “We are in discussion with our drivers’ representatives over this issue. There is a school of thought that shorts don’t always look smart and professional and we recognise that some drivers find them more comfortable during high temperatures.

“We are talking to our drivers as to the way forward. There will be no change to the arrangements this summer.”