Commuters could soon face disruption if bus drivers strike over pay.

The union Unite says a consultative ballot shows 96 per cent vote are in favour of industrial action.

The employees of 17 bus operators in the capital say they are willing to strike over disparities in pay between the different companies.

Wayne King London regional officer for Unite said: “The patience of London bus drivers is wearing thin.

“Rather than their pay and conditions being covered by one single agreement, we have the farce of 17 different sets of negotiations.

“It not only breeds pay inequality, but is bureaucratic and inefficient and hs led to pay gaps opening up between bus drivers working for different companies as well as those driving the same routes for the same operator.

“London’s bus drivers keep the capital moving and deserve a fair deal.”

The bus companies which could be affected include Arriva North, Arriva South, Selkent, London General, Metroline, Metroline West, Metrobus, CT Plus, London United, Abellio South, Abellio West, London Sovereign, Stagecoach, Blue Triangle, Northumberland Park, Tower Transit and London Central.