A record number of new and replacement ambulances have been delivered to NHS Trusts across England over the past year, boosting frontline capacity and helping paramedics respond to patients faster.

A total of 1,141 new or replacement Double Crewed Ambulances (DCAs) were delivered to NHS ambulance Trusts between April 2025 and March 2026. South Central England received 138 of the vehicles, while the South East Coast received 97.

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.

Most of the new vehicles replaced older ambulances, ensuring patients and staff benefit from a modern, reliable fleet. The rest of the new vehicles will provide more fleet capacity, supporting services under pressure.

A record number of new and replacement ambulances have been delivered across the country, with 138 in South Central England. Photo: South Central Ambulance

placeholder image — A record number of new and replacement ambulances have been delivered across the country, with 138 in South Central England. Photo: South Central Ambulance

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.”

The new Double Crewed Ambulances are equipped with modern technology and enhanced safety features. The enhancements help protect patients and staff, while supporting paramedics in delivering 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. This means more ambulances are available to respond to 999 calls, helping cut waiting times and improve patient outcomes.

The rollout comes as part of a wider goal to improve urgent and emergency care services. This includes improving delays to discharge by working jointly with social care, better flow through hospitals, 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: “This level of investment is essential as ambulance services continue to face sustained demand. A modern, resilient fleet is fundamental to improving response times and ensuring patients receive timely, safe care wherever they are when it is needed. We welcome this record year of delivery and look forward to continued progress in strengthening ambulance services across the country.”

The NHS has seen a significant improvement in performance this winter, despite record demand. Category 2 response times, including for strokes and heart attacks, were quicker than they have been for half a decade.

Waiting times are also at their lowest in A&E for almost half a decade, thanks to the hard work of NHS staff, better planning and modernisation.