To stimulate the local economy, the government is exploring the implementation of "Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles" to attract mainland tourists by the end of this year.

According to sources, the initiative is expected to be rolled out in phases, with initial arrangements limiting vehicles to park at the Hong Kong Port Island of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) automatic parking facilities.

In the second phase, southbound vehicles will be permitted for self-driving tours within the city, with a daily quota driving limit into Hong Kong.

Vision for self-driving trips in the city

While "Northbound Travel for Hong Kong vehicles" has been implemented since July 2023, sources said authorities in two regions are currently exploring a phased implementation of allowing southbound vehicles to enter the city by the end of this year, with the ultimate goal of enabling mainlanders to enjoy self-driving trips in Hong Kong.

With approximately 17.4 million private cars in Guangdong Province last year, an online reservation system is being considered for southbound vehicles to prevent traffic congestion, similar to the existing arrangement for northbound vehicles.

Although the specific daily limit for northbound vehicles remains undisclosed, average daily car trips are estimated at around 3,000, with a peak reservation of approximately 7,000 car trips per day.

Importance of tailoring quotas and driving limitations

Hong Kong, China Automobile Association honorary life president Ringo Lee Yiu-pui emphasized the limited attraction of southbound automobiles if self-driving is prohibited.

However, due to limited road space and parking availability in Hong Kong, Lee stressed the importance of tailoring quotas and driving limitations to suit the unique circumstances of southbound travel.

To ensure a better visiting experience, Lee also recommended a designated parking lot for southbound cars in the urban area, especially near tourist spots.

Meanwhile, lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu agreed on the importance of southbound drivers enjoying self-driving trips, noting that only about 500 cars were parked in the related parking lot every day.

Zhang also proposed a rewards system where a certain level of consumption is required for quota allocation to ensure applicants have higher spending power.

Owing to the limited space available in the city, lawmaker Ben Chan Han-ping suggested a trial run of 100 vehicles to prevent conflicts over parking spaces between southbound and local cars.

Another lawmaker, Michael Tien Puk-sun, anticipated that tourists using the "SouthBound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles" will be more likely to go with their families and recommended that the first phase allow them to park at Sunny Bay when visiting Disneyland or transferring to the MTR.

However, former chief executive Leung Chun-ying has questioned the motives of some lawmakers proposing an asset spending threshold on the "Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles" scheme on his social media.

He noted that an agreement established 10 years ago regarding the initiative and urged that further delays in its implementation should be avoided, as the efficiency will be significantly compromised.

Regarding Leung's critics, Zhang clarified online that his proposal aimed to precisely allocate quotas to the target audience, positioning Hong Kong as an attractive vacation spot for middle and high-income mainland travelers.

Details to be announced within this year: govt

In response to inquiries, the Transport and Logistics Bureau confirmed that the two automated car parks are included as part of the "SouthBound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles" scheme, aiming to provide a convenient and smooth experience for drivers.

As the implementation progresses, private vehicles from Guangdong and Macau will gain entry via the HZMB with simplified immigration procedures at the Hong Kong Port Passenger Clearance Building or the option to transfer flights at Hong Kong International Airport.

However, the department noted the discussions for the southbound vehicles to drive into the urban area are still underway, stating more details will be announced within the year.

Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles to be rolled out this year with limited quotas: sources