![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
West Midlands Ambulance Service has recently sought an economical and sustainable solution for decommissioning ambulances, thanks to a recent partnership with De Lage Landen (DLL).
With demand increasing year-on-year, so is the mileage of ambulances and whilst West Midlands Ambulance Service is proud to have the youngest and lightest diesel ambulance fleet in the country helping to reduce emissions, there was an opportunity to do something more environmentally friendly with decommissioned ambulances.
With one of the Trust’s values being ‘Environmental Sustainability’, it recently selected DLL following a tender and procurement process to provide a sustainable solution for the decommissioned vehicles to be repurposed and given a second life, benefiting other UK ambulance operator.
“We’re committed to investing in our fleet to reduce emissions of carbon and harmful particulates, reducing them year-on-year to net reduction of 80% in 2028-2030 and net zero by 2040. By ensuring our fleet is no older than five years old we were keen to find a much more sustainable and economical solution to decommissioning ambulances, rather than selling them at auction.
“We have worked together with DLL for many years in the financing and management of our ambulance fleet. The combination of DLL’s experience, in-depth knowledge of the public sector and their proven process for the repurposing of decommissioned vehicles, make them the perfect partner for WMAS.”
Tony Page, Head of Fleet and Facilities Management, WMAS.
This partnership not only removes the burden of WMAS selling vehicles, it allows the Trust to focus on running operations whilst also generating income to be reinvested into the frontline.
Stephen Richards, DLL Head of Global Asset Sales, said: “Customers often want the ability to upgrade equipment to avoid obsolescence and improve their operational efficiency. Repurposing the used ambulances supports the circular economy, minimises waste and provides new partners and customers with functional and affordable vehicles at a low environmental cost.”
To read similar articles, check out our Sustainability channel.