Record number of new and replacement ambulances delivered
The Department of Health says a record number of new and replacement ambulances have been delivered to NHS Trusts across England over the past year, including Lincolnshire and the East Midlands, boosting frontline capacity and helping paramedics respond to patients faster.
New data shows that a total of 1,141 new or replacement Double Crewed Ambulances (DCAs) were delivered to NHS ambulance Trusts between April 2025 and March 2026.
Funded through a combination of national investment and local funding, this marks the highest number of replacement ambulances delivered in a single year since records began.
This includes 48 new diesel or petrol engine ambulances and six electric powered ambulances delivered to the East Midlands service between January and March 31 this year.
A further 60 diesel or petrol engine ambulances and 10 battery electric ambulances will be provided over this coming financial year, between April 1 2026 and March 31, 2027.
The Department of Health explains the majority of the vehicles replace older ambulances, ensuring patients and staff benefit from a modern, reliable fleet. The remainder of the new vehicles will provide additional fleet capacity, further supporting services under pressure.
Health Minister, Zubir Ahmed said: “By modernising the NHS fleet, our hardworking paramedics are equipped with all the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, while ensuring patients receive the highest possible standard of care.
“Replacing older vehicles with state-of-the-art ambulances means we are not only improving reliability and reducing downtime, but crucially helping more crews stay on the road and respond to emergencies.
“These vehicles are equipped with the technology to better protect staff and support faster, more effective treatment. This is a vital step in ensuring the NHS can continue to deliver world-class care for patients when they need it most.”
Dr Fenella Wrigley, National Medical Adviser, Ambulance, NHSE said: “New and replacement ambulances are crucial in providing care for patients, whether taking care to the patient home or conveying a patient to an emergency department.
“Reliable, modern, well-equipped ambulances allow emergency teams can stay out on the road and do what they do best, responding to patients quickly and ensuring they get the care they need.
The new double crewed ambulances are equipped with modern technology and enhanced safety features to deliver high-quality pre-hospital care.
Modern ambulances are more reliable and less likely to require repairs, reducing the amount of time vehicles spend off the road, helping cut waiting times and improve patient outcomes.
The rollout forms part of wider action to improve urgent and emergency care services, including improving flow through hospitals, improving delays to discharge through better join up with social care, putting more power in the hands of local leaders and improving strategic leadership.
Anna Parry, Managing Director of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) said: “For our crews, these vehicles make a tangible difference. The enhanced safety features and improved working environment support paramedics and other clinicians to deliver high‑quality care under intense pressure, and they help our people feel safer and better supported on shift.
“This level of investment is essential as ambulance services continue to face sustained demand.”