Festival
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The Immigration Department estimates that about 2.7 million people will pass through land, sea and air control points during the Mid-Autumn Festive period (September 16 to 19), up 38% on the same period last year. Among them, 2.11 million will travel by land, an increase of 43% over the same period last year.
A department spokesman said that the peak of cross-boundary traffic would be on September 17, with a total of 560,000 passengers. The department appealed to passengers to avoid crossing the boundary during the peak hours from 9am to noon on that day.
The number of departing passengers by land is expected to reach a peak of over 310,000 on September 17, while the peak of arrivals will be on September 19, with a forecast of over 330,000 people returning to Hong Kong.
To avoid traffic congestion at Lok Ma Chau control point and Sun Tin Public Transport Interchange, passengers are advised to use other land boundary crossing points during the festive period.
During the Mid-Autumn festive period, the number of Mainland visitors coming on an individual basis or in groups is expected to increase considerably. It is estimated that 180,000 Mainland visitors will visit Hong Kong. Among them, 100,000 are expected to arrive on an individual basis and 16,000 in tour groups.
A total of 216 officers will be deployed to reinforce the air, land and sea control points during the Mid-Autumn festive period. Among them, 181 officers will be deployed to various land boundary control points.
If necessary, Lo Wu control point will implement the Contra-Flow Scheme to relieve congestion.
Passengers bound for the Mainland should be careful with their personal belongings and avoid carrying over-sized luggage, the department said. People were also reminded to bring along their identity cards and valid travel documents required for travel to the Mainland.
Those in the process of having their identity cards replaced and holding an acknowledgement receipt should bring along a valid travel document. Children under 11 years of age who hold Hong Kong identity cards should carry a valid travel document such as their passport or Re-entry Permit.
Ends/Thursday, September 15, 2005
Issued at HKT 21:07
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