Epsom bus drivers are to vote on possible strike action which would disrupt local bus routes, including those of hospital staff.

The Quality Line bus drivers say they are upset that RMT, Britain's largest transport union, isn't being accepted as their union of choice despite it having the majority of members at the depot.

The vote opens this Monday October 23 and closes on November 7.

A bus driver said: “Bad employers do not like effective trade unions - good employers do as it helps staff morale by suggesting efficiencies; by removing minor problems; by keeping rogue, normally junior managers, in check.”

Should a strike go ahead, it's understood that it would affect the shuttle service used by staff at Epsom and St Helier hospitals.

Routes which would be affected are:

404 Caterham-on-the-Hill to Coulsdon

406 Epsom to Kingston

411 Kingston to West Molesey

413 Morden station to Sutton

418 Kingston to Epsom

463 Pollards Hill to Coulsdon

465 Kingston to Dorking

467 Epsom Hook and Hinchley Wood School (School days)

470 Colliers Wood to Epsom

633 Wallington County Grammar School to Coulsdon South station

641 Teddington School to West Molesey

S1 Mitcham to Banstead

S3 Sutton Hospital to Malden Manor station

K5 Morden Ham

E5 Watersedge to Langley Vale

E9 Epsom to Livingstone Park, Clarendon Park

E10 Epsom to Manor Park, Noble Park

E16 Epsom to Ewell, Stoneleigh, Worcester Park