A historic mayoral number plate has been sold by Leeds City Council for more than £700,000.
The U1 plate has been used for over 120 years by Lord Mayors of Leeds and was the first number plate to be issued in the city.
Sold for £750,000 to a specialist dealer, the local authority has confirmed that the total figure was ‘one of the top sums ever received for a private number plate in the UK’ and will be invested into the council’s budget to boost local services.
The council has also said that the buyer’s identity must remain private ‘as part of the conditions of the sale’ and confirmed in statement that the mayor’s civic vehicle will be fitted with the council-owned L6EDS plate in place of its previous U1 registration.
Cllr Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for resources, commented: ‘This sale will generate crucial funds to help deliver important services against the backdrop of a uniquely challenging financial situation.
‘Protecting those services has to be our priority and we are pleased this process has given us the opportunity to raise such a significant sum. I am also pleased that the Lord Mayor's car will still be recognisable through the unique number plate L6EDS as they carry out their duties across the city and beyond.’
