The vehicles – which will replace old ambulances across England – represent one of the biggest upgrades to the NHS fleet in recent years and have been rolled out to every region of England, helping emergency services respond faster and more reliably through winter.

The new ambulances include a range of design improvements that enhance patient care and staff safety. They are also lighter, more fuel‑efficient and produce fewer emissions.

Health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting, said: ‘In an emergency, every minute matters. When someone dials 999, they should get help fast - not be left waiting because of creaking kit or preventable delays.

‘These new ambulances are already helping to cut response times and keep more vehicles on the road, just as the NHS is facing a tidal wave of flu and the ongoing disruption of strikes.'

 NHS national director for urgent and emergency care, Sarah Jane Marsh, said: ‘Modern, well-equipped and reliable ambulances are a vital part of emergency care and allow staff to respond quickly and safely when patients need them most.

‘This new fleet of ambulances are a crucial link between providing patient care whether at home, in transit or at an emergency department and are a real boost at a time when staff are working incredibly hard and emergency care is under considerable pressure.'

The government has committed a further £412m over the next four years to continue renewing the ambulance fleet and modernising emergency services.

Reaction

Rory Deighton, acute and community director at NHS Confederation, said: ‘Health leaders will welcome these new ambulances to the country's fleet which will help the NHS to continue to provide better, faster and more appropriate emergency care, an area which is facing high demand and rising public concern over performance.'

Jason Killens, chair of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives and chief executive of London Ambulance Service, said: ‘These new vehicles are a key part of the ongoing modernisation of ambulance fleets across the country, ensuring we can meet the needs of patients not only during what is already a very challenging winter, but for many years to come.'