HK to relax appointment for northbound vehicle quotas, local drivers hope for similar measures

Starting next month, vehicles from Hong Kong traveling northbound across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) to Guangdong Province will no longer require appointments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except on certain days such as Hong Kong or mainland public holidays and their eves.

The measure was praised by local drivers who hope authorities will soon adopt a similar “appointment-free” approach for Macau vehicles heading north on non-holiday weekdays that do not coincide with Hong Kong’s policy days.

Currently, drivers under the “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles” scheme have to pre-book the date and time of their planned journey to Guangdong before noon on the day before the trip.

The Hong Kong Transport Department (HKTD) said it will soon set out all the reservation-free days in the following six months on its website.

A spokesperson from the HKTD said, “Booking is required on specified dates, including Hong Kong or Mainland public holidays and the day before, toll-free days of the HZMB and other dates specified by the authority. Booking is also required on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The Scheme’s eligibility, application procedures, and balloting remain unchanged.”

The updated policy reflects efforts to better manage vehicle flow, particularly by diverting traffic from busy weekends, which tend to see higher volumes crossing the HZMB and various border points.

While local residents urge authorities to follow HK policies, some local business owners have expressed opposite feelings, encouraging the continuation of the current restrictions, fearing that loosening them might reduce local commercial activity by diverting resident traffic and consumption outward.

Lei Chong Sam, a member of the Transport Consultative Committee, emphasized the rationale behind the new measures and issues related to Macau’s situation to the local broadcaster, TDM. He stated, “The purpose of these measures is to divert weekend northbound traffic from Hong Kong vehicles and alleviate congestion on the bridge.”

Regarding Macau vehicles, Lei noted that their northbound traffic volume is relatively limited and that the current appointment system is effective after recent optimizations. He added, “Considering Macau’s close proximity to the mainland, allowing appointment-free northbound travel on weekdays could further affect the local community economy. Macau must consider this carefully and cannot implement appointment-free northbound travel on weekdays.”