Eligible Macau vehicles can drive in Hengqin from tomorrow

A scheme for eligible Macau-registered vehicles to enter Hengqin Island in Zhuhai will commence tomorrow, the Macau government and authorities from the Zhuhai Municipal People’s Government confirmed during a press conference on Friday.

The dual authorities unveiled their arrangements regarding the implementation of the first phase of the scheme, including a management plan and information on the relevant application procedures to acquire the necessary vehicle registration. It was announced that as of Friday, the authorities have begun accepting applications under the scheme.

In accordance with mainland law, cross-border motor vehicles must be covered by “Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident Liability Insurance” before entering the Hengqin New Area, according to a statement issued by the Monetary Authority of Macau (AMCM).

Coordinated by the AMCM, Macau single-plate car owners can purchase the relevant insurance coverage through local insurance companies. At present, the only companies in Macau that have established cooperative agreements with mainland partners are China Taiping Insurance (Macau) Company and Asia Insurance Company, according to AMCM.

Officials from numerous Macau government departments, such as the Macau Customs Service, the Public Security Police Force and the Transport Bureau, in addition to officials from Zhuhai municipal authorities, attended Friday’s press conference.

The director-general of the Macau Customs Service, Ng Kuok Heng, said during the press conference that the scheme represents a significant milestone in the continued cooperation between Guangdong and Macau, and that local authorities had therefore viewed it as a priority.

Meanwhile, the director of the Hengqin New Area Management Committee, Niu Jing, promised that the entry of Macau-registered vehicles to the island would enhance overall border-crossing efficiency between Macau and Zhuhai and improve the convenience of travel.

In June of this year, the negotiating parties of the Guangdong and Macau local governmental authorities agreed the initial terms of the scheme, which will allow Macau-registered vehicles to enter Hengqin.

On December 8, the Guangdong local government and Zhuhai municipal authorities issued provisional procedures and new measures to manage the presence of these vehicles in Hengqin.