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The Shenzhen Wenjindu Port Passenger Clearance Area has been temporarily closed from February 22 for reconstruction works. The government has maintained close liaison with the residents of the North District and the relevant Mainland authorities so as to minimise the inconvenience caused to the public during the period.
"Following discussions between the two sides, the relevant Mainland authorities have agreed in principle to provide, starting from March 27, clearance service to travellers using the limited cross-boundary bus service, as long as the construction is not affected. There will be three round trips running between Sheung Shui and the Shenzhen Wenjindu Port during the commuting peak periods, in the morning and in the afternoon," a government spokesman said today (March 15).
On cross-boundary private cars, the relevant government department and the Mainland authorities have approached some 400 cross-boundary private car owners who only had quotas for the Wenjindu Port early this year and allow them to choose to be diverted to the Lok Ma Chau, Shenzhen Bay, or Sha Tau Kok Control Points. Up to date, about 80% of them have completed the formalities. Besides, under the current arrangements, cross-boundary private cars may also continue to use the Shenzhen Bay Port without the need to go through additional procedures, until September 30, 2010.
The spokesman stressed that the quotas for cross-boundary private cars issued by the relevant Mainland authorities are for personal use only, and should not be used for commercial purposes.
The employment of some cross-boundary private car drivers was reportedly affected following the suspension of clearance service for private car users at the Wenjindu Port. The Government will further look into the operation of cross-boundary drivers. If needed, we may reflect to the relevant Mainland authorities the demands of these drivers. The Labour Department's Job Centres may also provide job matching services to the affected individual drivers upon request.
Ends/Monday, March 15, 2010
Issued at HKT 21:05
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