Parking scheme in HK nears for Guangdong motorists

By early next year, Guangdong motorists can drive to Hong Kong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and park their car in the city before boarding a plane at Chek Lap Kok, says Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung.

The scheme will be implemented in two phases, with the first expected to start early next year and the second "as soon as possible," Lam said in an online show hosted by Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong's president Allen Shi Lop-tak.

Guangdong drivers can park their cars at the mega-bridge's Hong Kong port before boarding a plane or just visiting the city, Lam said.

"Hong Kong is a small city with a huge population, so we have to carefully discuss the [number] of mainland vehicles allowed entry to the SAR and arrangements [should be detailed]," he said.

"We are working on the issue. The first phase will be launched early next year and I also hope the second phase can be implemented as soon as possible."

The Transport and Logistics Bureau said the administration welcomes visitors and aims to facilitate people exchange within the Greater Bay Area, when asked by The Standard.

The bureau said the Airport Authority is building two automated parking lots on the artificial island at the Hong Kong port for drivers from Guangdong and Macau that are expected to be completed by next year.

Travelers heading to the airport can park in a "transit parking lot," while other visitors can park at a "visitor parking lot" before going through border procedures to enter Hong Kong, it said.

"The SAR government is actively discussing the practical arrangement of the Guangdong private cars coming to Hong Kong scheme with mainland authorities to facilitate travelers to other parts of the city other than the airport while boosting Hong Kong's economy," the bureau said.

It added that the administration will consider details on various aspects, including the quota and capability of the Hong Kong roads.

However, Hong Kong transport bigwigs are concerned that mainland vehicles would cause serious traffic congestion.

Lawmaker Ben Chan Han-pan, who is also chairman of the Legislative Council's panel on transport, said it would be "extremely difficult" to allow Guangdong vehicles, as local roads cannot handle large number of mainland cars.

The administration should only allow mainland cars to park in parking lots near the border and set a quota system, the lawmaker said.

Chan added that mainland drivers should be required to book parking spaces in advance before crossing the border.

Hong Kong Automobile Association president Ringo Lee Yiu-pui suggested the administration build a mega car park at the airport or in New Territories West.

Mainland drivers could park their cars in parking lots in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long before heading to other districts using public transportation, he said.

And authorities should provide adequate information on available parking spaces to avoid traffic congestion, Lee added.

He said it would be wise to consider the SAR's supporting facilities before allowing vehicles from Guangdong.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com