An RTA spokesperson said the funds raised at the auction would go towards improving road safety across NSW.

“This is a huge boost to the NSW Centre for Road Safety, which will use the funds to improve road safety in our state,” the spokesperson said.

“The 25 numeral-only motorcycle plates, which were some of the exclusive items on the register, exceeded even our most liberal expectations, fetching over $1 million in total.

“Among the motorcycle plates, the single-digit ‘8’ plate was the highest achiever, going under the hammer for $140,000.

“‘2’ was a close second at $120,000, while the other highly-coveted low digit plates of ‘12’, ‘13’, ‘15’ and ‘18’ all went for more than $50,000 each.

“Among the RTA car plates, ‘228’ was the biggest seller, fetching an astounding $140,000.

“Number plates are becoming as important, if not more, than the cars they represent, and the results of this auction clearly reinforce this.

“The bonus for buyers is they can expect the plates to increase in value in years to come.

“The RTA myPlates stand was also hugely popular at the show this year, with more than three times the number plate purchases made than all previous years,” the spokesperson said.

Personalised plates can also be ordered from the RTA website: www.myRTA.com