Over 64,000 private cars already registered under northbound travel scheme

Over 64,000 private cars have valid permits to travel to the mainland under the Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles scheme since its implementation last July, said Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics Liu Chun-san. 

The number accounts for about 40 percent of the usage of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge as well, Liu added. 

In his written reply to the Legislative Council on Wednesday, Liu pointed out that the top record dates for the Hong Kong Port of the Bridge are March 29 and April 1, with 9,617 outbound and 10,288 inbound private cars, respectively. 

The dates with the second most outbound and inbound private cars are February 12 and 13, with the numbers standing at around 8,800 and 10,000. 

The Transport and Logistics Bureau said they will continue to work closely with relevant mainland authorities on enhancing port clearance arrangements to optimize workflow. 

As for the severe traffic congestion at the Zhuhai Port of the Bridge on the evening of the Tuen Ng Festival holiday, Liu said relevant authorities are enhancing the facilities and arrangements. 

The measures include increasing the clearance lanes for private cars, enhancing the facility clearance efficiency, setting up information dissemination system on instant port clearance situation, stepping up publicity to guide travelers to avoid traveling during peak periods, and arranging on-site dispersal, etc.