THE Welsh Ambulance Service has introduced a range of low-emission vehicles in a bid to reduce its impact on the environmental health.

Among the new vehicles introduced to its 800 fleet are 46 hybrid rapid response car, the first of its kind for the service, as well as 24 emergency ambulances and 27 non-emergency ambulances, with further additions later in the year.

The vehicles also include a range of ultra-modern features including all-wheel drive technology for wet conditions and anti-bacterial seat coverings that kill bacteria upon contact.

David Holmes, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s fleet manager, said: “Modern ambulance vehicles are essential in order that we can continue to provide the best experience possible for our patients.

“They’re also important for staff who can spend hours at a time during the course of a shift out and about in these vehicles.

“These vehicles make for an exciting addition to our expanding fleet, and we look forward to rolling them out across Wales.”

The new Toyota Rav4 Hybrid rapid response cars replace some of the Trust’s older diesel-powered vehicles with an improved mile-per-gallon from 22mpg to 31mpg, a reduction of around 125 tonnes of CO2 emitted per year. The cars are also equipped with Toyota’s AWD-i intelligent all-wheel drive technology which provides extra grip in adverse weather, and anti-bacterial seat coverings which destroy bacteria on contact.

The new 70-plate Mercedes Sprinter emergency ambulance boasts a radar controlled ‘active brake assist’ system, which can prevent collisions, while the Renault Master non-emergency ambulance has been fitted with solar films and an intelligent battery management system, which eliminates the need for the vehicle to be shoreline charged when not in use, as well as added safety features.

Chris Turley, the Trust’s Executive Director for Finance and Corporate Resources, said: “The modernisation of our fleet is a piece of work which never stops.

“The new features of these vehicles are without a doubt impressive, but what’s more significant to us is their improved efficiency.

“As Wales’ national ambulance service spread over an area of 8,000 square miles, reducing our carbon footprint is something we’re very committed to."