More than 700 mainland Chinese drivers have applied to enter Hong Kong’s urban areas under a new scheme starting on Tuesday, with transport authorities saying the number aligned with their expectations.
The Transport Department also said on Thursday it did not expect the scheme would worsen the city’s traffic conditions or prompt road safety concerns.
“The booking quota is now set at 100 per day. With that in mind, we think that the more than 700 applications received so far are in line with our expectations,” a department spokesman said.
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The “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (Entry into Urban Area)” scheme permits approved private cars from the neighbouring province to enter the city directly via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. The scheme will allow drivers to travel to the city from midnight on December 23.
The department said it received applications from more than 700 mainland car owners selected from among 1,700 winners of a ballot conducted by Guangdong authorities on November 23.
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Last week, the department said it had received more than 100 applications on the first day that drivers could apply.