A PIONEERING new rotating lightbar designed and manufactured by a small York business is being taken up by the UK's largest motoring organisation, the AA.

Starting this autumn, the AA, which has 9.7 million members, is installing Vision Alert's new 600-series Evolution Lightbar on all of its new liveried vehicles as they are added to its 3,800-strong national fleet.

Now the York company, which has 37 staff and a £3million turnover, will be taking on up to four more production staff this summer at its base in Outgang Lane, Osbaldwick.

The Evolution Lightbar, launched by Vision Alert only this spring, is the first to achieve size reduction and increased light output by applying free-form optical reflector technology, which was initially used only in headlamps.

The light intensity and spread of the Evolution Range is claimed to be up to 20 per cent greater than that of rival products. The slimmer shape and aerodynamic design also lessens wind noise and reduces fuel consumption.

Supplying the AA is an important breakthrough for Vision Alert, which already includes National Tyres and Kwikfit among its other fleet customers.

Steve Winter, the AA's head of vehicle developments said: "We were seeking a slimmer, rotating lightbar with greater light intensity and spread. The Evolution Range fully matches all of our requirements.

"We are extremely impressed by its design and are looking forward to introducing it to our new vehicles. Its reduced fuel consumption benefits are a bonus."

Stephen Cummings, Vision Alert's managing director, said: "We are delighted the AA is taking up the Evolution Lightbar which we knew offered a major step forward in warning technology when we launched the range this spring. Its technological advancements are what the beacon and lightbar market has been waiting for."