Many years ago the mayor of Brighton went round in a Rolls-Royce with a cherished numberplate.

The mayor of Hove also had a large chauffeur-driven limousine. Gradually the mayor's car became less posh until the first citizen was reduced to being chauffeured round in a Volvo.

Now, Brighton and Hove City Council is dispensing with the limousine and using a people carrier. The Seat will be available, not only for the mayor but by other civic heads when they have VIPs to entertain.

This move will show the public it is pointless for anyone to have a large flashy car in a crowded city.