Nearly 2,400 Guangdong drivers apply for cross-border entry scheme into Hong Kong

Nearly 2,400 mainland Chinese drivers have applied for 1,700 quotas under a much-awaited special scheme that allows them to drive their cars directly into downtown Hong Kong, according to Guangdong authorities.

The Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department said on Sunday that a total of 2,388 drivers had submitted applications earlier this month for the first round of balloting.

The 1,700 successful applicants selected by computer ballot on Sunday can expect to set off to Hong Kong as early as December 23.

The “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (Entry into Urban Area)” scheme allows approved private cars from the neighbouring province to enter the city directly via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.

The Hong Kong government has said it will move forward with the southbound scheme in a “steady manner”, setting a daily quota of 100 cars. Each car can stay here for up to three days.

Applications must be submitted online to Guangdong authorities and require prior vehicle inspection, Hong Kong driving licences for the designated drivers, and completed licensing formalities for the city. Designated drivers will also have to obtain valid third-party risk insurance to comply with Hong Kong laws.

The process involves online application, government approval, vehicle inspection and completing Hong Kong licensing procedures before approaching city authorities to book a travel date. If the number of booking registrations exceeds the quota, it will be allocated by computer-based balloting.