MORE than 20 new £100,000 ambulances are on West Yorkshire's roads as part of a £6.6m investment.
The Mercedes Benz Sprinter ambulances cost so much because the price includes all their on-board equipment.
Some are based at Huddersfield and Dewsbury ambulance stations.
Another 15 are on order.
The new ambulances are based on 4.6-tonne Mercedes Sprinter 416CDI chassis cabs. They have twin rear wheels and are powered by 156hp five-cylinder turbo-diesel engines. They are fitted with coach-built bodywork.
The internal lining is impregnated with anti-bacterial agents to reduce the risk of infection.
There is also a new three-point seat belt for staff to travel safely in the back, easier access to a defibrillator and extra space to manoeuvre a critical care trolley or incubator into the trolley locks.
The ambulances should last for seven years and clock up about 280,000 miles each.
Richard Smith, head of fleet for West Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: "The initial wave of Sprinters proved popular with our crews, who have provided some critical input into the latest designs to enhance patient care and staff safety.
"After all, they are the ones who have to work in the vehicles daily.
"The improvements make it easier to move around in the vehicles and provide improved safety and comfort for staff and patients.
"The Mercedes Sprinter may not be the cheapest vehicle on the market, but we reap the benefits in the long run, thanks to its very competitive `whole life' costs."
