NEW ambulances to replace vehicles which were branded unsafe by paramedics could be on the streets by the end of January.

The North-East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has confirmed that it expects to take a delivery of the new models, based on Mercedes chassis, later this month.

They are replacing remaining Chevrolet vehicles which are being taken out of front-line service.

The Chevrolets, bought from America ten years ago, make up half the service's 110-strong fleet.

Paramedics have criticised the vehicles following incidents in which wheels have fallen off at high speeds and problems reported with steering and braking.

NEAS has an agreement in place which will see at least 20 new ambulances arrive by the end of March.

A further 39 will be phased in on a bi-monthly basis with all Chevrolets expected to have been replaced by June 2004.

Ambulance spokeswoman Tina Balbach said: "We are now due to take a new delivery in January some time.

"The new spec vehicles will need to fitted with signs but will be on the road pretty quickly after that.

"All the Chevrolets are still in the system but are being taken of front line duties following a commitment we made to staff."

NEAS had always intended to phase the Chevrolets out but under pressure from staff is doing so three years earlier than first planned.

Finance chiefs were forced to make an appeal for more funding to pay for the new vehicles when the defects came to light.

Patients will be transported in the middle of the new models rather than at the side which paramedics say will give them better access.

Ray McDermott, Unison branch secretary for the North-East Ambulance Service, said: "Anything that enhances the comfort and safety of both patients and staff has to be welcomed."

NEAS covers County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.

It recently recorded one of its busiest periods for emergency 999 calls blamed largely on alcohol related excesses.

A total of 1,362 calls were made to the service from noon on New Year's Eve to noon on New Year's Day.