This undated photo shows the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. (WANG JIAXIN / FOR CHINA DAILY)
More Hong Kong private vehicles are expected to be allowed to use the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) to boost cross-boundary travel.
In a reply to proposals by a Hong Kong deputy to the National People’s Congress, the Guangdong provincial authorities said Guangdong and Hong Kong have agreed to gradually raise the quota for Hong Kong private cars allowed to use the bridge if capacity allows.
At present, about 78,000 vehicles with dual license plates can travel through the HZMB to enter the Chinese mainland
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At present, about 78,000 vehicles with dual license plates can travel through the HZMB to enter the Chinese mainland. At the same time, more than 9,400 Hong Kong and Macao vehicles carrying single license plates have been permitted to use the bridge, but are not allowed to enter the mainland.
The move will strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, enabling the HZMB to play a bigger role in promoting the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s development.
Mainland academicians working in Hong Kong and Macao, heads of Hong Kong and Macao universities, as well as professional people from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas, can also apply for dual license plates.
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The Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao governments are also discussing whether to grant similar privileges to business chambers, universities and research institutes.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong vehicles with single license plates may also be allowed to enter and leave the mainland through Zhuhai Port.
It will be initially be implemented in Zhuhai’s Hengqin free trade zone, and is expected to be extended to other parts of Zhuhai and other cities in Guangdong.
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