The Transport Department (TD) announced today (October 24) that, taking into account that the traffic flow in the vicinity of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port has been generally smooth since its commissioning, the Guangdong and Hong Kong governments have agreed to increase the regular quota for Hong Kong cross-boundary private cars (i.e. dual-plate private cars) using the HZMB by 5 000 with a view to enhancing the cross-boundary road traffic between Guangdong and Hong Kong, and better utilising the HZMB.
 
     The additional regular quota for Hong Kong cross-boundary private cars using the HZMB will be processed and regulated under the new management measures as implemented from April 15, 2019, by the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department (GDPSD). Eligibility criteria of the quota are summarised as follows:
 
(a) Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan or foreign investors with an accumulative tax amount of at least RMB100,000 in Guangdong Province in the past three years (including the application year), irrespective of the investment amount;
(b) Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan or foreign investors of recognised national high-tech enterprises;
(c) Hong Kong residents who are members of the People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference at the national level or the provincial, prefecture and county level of Guangdong Province;
(d) Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering who are currently working in Hong Kong or Macao, current vice-chancellors of the universities in Hong Kong and Macao, or Hong Kong, Taiwanese or foreign holders of A Superior Talent Cards; or
(e) Individuals whose charitable contributions amount to an accumulative sum of RMB3 million, or social organisations with charitable contributions amounting to an accumulative sum of RMB10 million.

     Quota allocations under categories (a) and (b) are valid for one year while those under categories (c) and (d) are valid for five years. Applicants under (a), (b), (c) and (d) may apply for renewal upon expiry, given that they meet the application criteria. Quota allocations under (e) are valid permanently.

     Persons who have applied under the private car quotas of other crossings may still submit their applications, provided that they meet the above criteria.
 
     The GDPSD will start accepting new applications for Hong Kong private cars using the HZMB to travel to Guangdong Province from November 18. Eligible persons may submit their applications to the GDPSD. For details, please visit the GDPSD's website at gdga.gd.gov.cn/jgj/index.html.
 
     Upon receipt of the Approval Notice for using the HZMB issued by the GDPSD, applicants need to apply for the closed road permit from the Cross Boundary Unit of the TD. Applicants have to complete all the formalities in both Hong Kong and the Mainland before driving across the border. For details, please visit
www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/licences_and_permits/closed_road_permit_for_cross_boundary_vehicles/how_to_apply_for_closed_road_permit_for_boundary/index.html or call the TD's hotline at 2804 2600.
 
     Separately, the two governments have also agreed to increase the quota for Mainland cross-boundary private cars using the HZMB by 500. Please visit the GDPSD's website for details.

Ends/Thursday, October 24, 2019
Issued at HKT 16:30

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