THE County Town’s first citizen is being chauffeured around virtually incognito because the mayor’s car has been stripped of its flag and insignia for health and safety reasons.

Maidstone’s mayoral car, a hybird Lexus GS450H, took to the roads last spring replacing a Jaguar which had carried the full civic regalia.

However, this week, it was revealed that the flag and crest have never been installed on the Lexus after health and safety concerns were raised.

It means the only distinctive thing about the mayor’s vehicle, which costs around £3,500 a year to run, is the personalised number plate 1MKP.

Former mayor, Cllr Mike FitzGerald (Ind) questioned council leader Cllr Chris Garland (Con) at a council meeting.

Cllr Garland claimed health and safety issues were causing the delay but said he was committed to addressing the issue as soon as possible.

Neil Harris, democratic services manager at Maidstone council said: “The car needs to be recognised as the mayor’s car but the problem is the flag and insignia might fall off if the car is driven above a certain speed.”

Roger Adley, head of communications added: “The Mayor’s car has a very distinctive number plate and the crest is displayed on the dashboard, but we have decided not to permanently fix anything to the outside of the new car, which would reduce its re-sale value. We are looking at options to put something on the outside and safety is one of the factors we are considering.”

After the meeting Cllr FitzGerald said in his experience the flag was only ever used when the car was driven slowly.

He said: “The chain and the car are the things people love about the mayor.

“People recognise the car with it, but now it could just be any car.

“It is the County Town and our first citizen deserves to be recognised.”

Current Mayor Cllr Denise Joy said she worried the barely noticeable car could cause embarrassment at social functions if busy gate stewards directed it into the public car park.

She said: “There is a certain protocol when the mayor arrives at an event.

“If the car is not instantly recognised it may be directed into the wrong place which would be embarrassing for the organisers.

“I don’t understand how why we aren’t using it if other boroughs are.”

There were no accidents in the old car involving the flag or insignia falling off.

Neighbouring Tonbridge and Malling council confirmed they use a contract driver and car when needed.

A spokesman said: “He does have a flag which he screws on for formal visits.”