THE UK's emergency services vehicles could soon all be coloured bright yellow as part of a European standard specification to ensure they are highly visible on the roads.

Sussex Ambulance Service is taking delivery of eight Vauxhall Vectras which are brightly coloured as part of the new European standard.

The manufacturer will provide eight Vectras in this new colour, complete with police-style 'battenburg' livery.

The Vectra 2.2-litre DTi LS saloons will form part of the Sussex Ambulance Service Rapid Response unit of 29 vehicles, with virtually all of the cars being Vauxhalls within its fleet of more than 300 vehicles.

Vauxhall's Special Vehicle Operation, based at Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, adapted the vehicles.

Changes include a special workstation complete with communications equipment to allow the paramedic to be totally self-reliant while on an emergency call.

The modular workstation provides a mobile office environment and fits in place of the front passenger seat, from where it can be easily removed when it comes to resale of the vehicle.

Equipment includes radio and microphone, hands-free telephone and charger unit, control panel screen and keyboard and satellite navigation. The cars also feature specially-fitted racking in the boot to allow the paramedic to store emergency and medical equipment.