I HAVE always been a wrigglebottom. Had the word "hyperactive" been around when I was a child, I suspect someone would have saddled me with it. Probably my mum.

Even as an adult, I find it difficult to imagine what it must be like to sit in a seat for five and a half uninterrupted hours. That, apparently, is at the heart of the issue that has led to the current series of one-day strikes involving Wilts & Dorset drivers.

Now the bus company says that 17 shifts out of 20 are for four and a half hours or fewer and there is often a chance to stretch the legs, go to the loo or smoke during "non-driving time" at depots and between shifts. But all accept that that does not always happen. For example, when there are traffic delays and buses arrive back late with the next bus immediately due to depart.

Me? With my ants in the pants, I would not fancy sitting for even four and a half hours behind my desk or at the wheel of my car without a break.

Wilts & Dorset and the RMT union, I am sure, are all very safety-aware when considering moving vehicles with up to 80 people on board. They have to be.

And they must also be very aware that this industrial relations dispute is a failure on both sides that is hammering a lot of passengers who have one simple message to both sides: Sort it now.

We have had two one-day strikes already with others due on January 16 and January 21. That gives you all time to come to an agreement. Fast.

Honestly, you don't have any one-day strikes for months and then along come four at once.

Just like buses. If you're lucky.