Following is a question by the Hon Shiu Ka-fai and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (April 16):
Question:
It has been reported that since the implementation of the "Quota-free Scheme for Hong Kong Private Cars Travelling to Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB)" ("Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles" Scheme) in July 2023, there have been a total of more than 100 000 new applications. As of February this year, the vetting and approval procedures for the applications of about 96 000 private cars have been completed with issuance of permits. However, the corresponding "Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles" Scheme has yet been implemented. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the number of Hong Kong private cars and members of the public travelling to the Mainland each month under the "Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles" Scheme since its implementation;
(2) of the implementation timetable and details of the "Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles" Scheme; and
(3) whether it will consider using Lantau Island as a pilot area in the first phase of the implementation of the "Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles" Scheme, allowing southbound quota vehicles to enter the area on Lantau Island via HZMB Hong Kong Port (except for the closed roads, which require access with a valid Lantau Closed Road Permit), and gradually increasing the application quota and relaxing the restriction on vehicle access to urban areas in the second phase only when smooth operation has been confirmed after one year of operation; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The HKSAR Government has been striving to promote the convenient flow of people and vehicles among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao through various cross-boundary transport measures, including "Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles" (the Scheme) and "Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles", thereby deepening the connectivity of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and maximising the effectiveness of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB). Since the implementation of the Scheme in July 2023, it has been well received by Hong Kong citizens, and it is an important measure of embracing the opportunities brought by the HZMB and promoting the economic integration and development of the GBA. As at end of March 2025, the Transport Department has issued a total of about 144 000 closed road permits to applicants of the Scheme, and one out of every five to six eligible vehicles have participated. The usage of the HZMB has also recorded new highs, among which those under the Scheme account for about 40 per cent. The governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong have been closely monitoring its implementation situation to take timely measures for enhanced convenience and travel experience for the applicants.
Having consulted the Transport Department, our reply to the Hon Shiu Ka-fai's question is as follows.
(1) Since the implementation of the Scheme, the numbers of travel bookings have increased to a range of about 61 000 and 82 000 per month in the first quarter of 2025, and details are set out at Annex. As the travel bookings for the Scheme are made on vehicle basis, there is no record of the number of passengers travelling under the Scheme.
(2) and (3) As for "Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles", the HKSAR Government welcomes Mainland visitors to Hong Kong, and is committed to promoting the convenient and smooth people flow under the concept of joint development of the GBA, and at the same time promoting the economic development of Hong Kong. To this end, the HKSAR Government is actively working with respective Mainland authorities to explore the detailed plans and implementation arrangements of "Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles", details of which are expected to be announced within this year.
Ends/Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Issued at HKT 12:30