A NEW generation of ambulances are taking to the road with the arrival of the first of an emergency fleet of 60.

The Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service has taken delivery of the first batch of Mercedes Benz vehicles, powered by diesel turbo engines.

As well as being faster and more powerful they also provide much better access to patients, with far more space for the crew.

They also have side access for equipment, making it much easier than clambering through the back from the front of the cab.

The ambulances have new warning lights which look brighter from further away and equipment includes a reverse camera mounted over the rear doors, together with a microphone and TV monitor in the driver's cab.

Fleet manager Mike Crosby said: "They have been tailor-made to our requirements and trialed round a number of our stations, complying fully with all Euro regulations."

Crews have expressed delight at the vehicles. Thirsk emergency medical technician David Gardner said: "The new vehicles provide superb all-round access to the patient and a far superior ride.

"The addition of a hydraulic tail-lift is a big plus for both staff and patients as it means no more lifting."

Unison branch secretary Steve Forsyth said: "This is the nearest thing to the perfect ambulance. It's gone down very well with staff, it's easily accessible from inside and out, everything's in the right place and it's the closest so far to a no-lift ambulance."