Number plate scheme falls short of target

An auction of personalised car number plates yesterday collected HK$6.8 million, bringing the total revenue from the one-year scheme to help the poor to HK$57.8 million - below the HK$70 million target.

Among the 208 personalised plates auctioned at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the 'JW' plate drew the highest bid - HK$500,000.

The plates tied for securing the second-highest bid were 'JP' and 'CM', which were snapped up at HK$400,000 each.

A 'DAB' plate, which the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong had unsuccessfully tried to reserve for itself, was sold at HK$15,000.

DAB vice-chairman Ip Kwok-him said although he had hoped the DAB could secure the plate for a party-owned vehicle, they were 'not disappointed'. 'We said before the auction that we would take it only if the bid was at HK$5,000,' he said.

Another plate up for grabs was 'MACAU 1', which fetched HK$80,000. One buyer ensured he had a billion-dollar car for just HK$30,000 by bidding for the 'BILLION' licence plate.