HK ready to accept more drivers from Guangdong: govt

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan on Wednesday said more vehicle inspection centres will be established in Guangdong to ensure all cars which are set to arrive in Hong Kong via a soon-to-be-expanded scheme are roadworthy. Starting July 25, the Southbound Travel Scheme that allows Guangdong residents to drive to the SAR for leisure purposes will include nine cities, up from four at the moment. Up to 200 vehicles will be allowed entry to Hong Kong's urban areas each day, double the existing quota. Authorities are aiming to further expand the scheme to 21 Guangdong cities by the first quarter of 2027. Following a visit to the brand new Terminal 2 (T2) at Hong Kong International Airport, Chan said the city is ready to receive more visitors wishing to drive here. "We have been observing for a period of time the situation at the port, as well as car parks and vehicle charging facilities. We believe we have sufficient capacity," she said. She also pledged to strengthen promotion and education on the scheme. As for the initial operation of T2, the transport chief confirmed that HK Express -- the last of the 15 airlines named as the initial occupants of the new terminal -- has relocated its check-in services there by Wednesday. All supporting facilities are in place and ready, she added, while some passengers she had talked to spoke about their positive and smooth check-in experience at T2. Edited by Raymond Yeung