Experts Propose Tougher Penalties for Illegal Cross-Border Vehicles as New Huanggang Port Faces Congestion
HK01 · 3 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago6 MIN
Summary
The newly inaugurated Huanggang Port in Hong Kong has faced severe congestion since its opening, prompting transportation experts and lawmakers to propose multiple solutions. Hong Kong Non-Franchised Bus Association Chairman Choi Shun-kei (蔡順基), who also serves as Deputy General Manager of Cross-Border Express, appeared on RTHK's "The Millennium" program on October 29 to discuss the situation. He expressed confidence that proper measures could effectively resolve the traffic issues, potentially keeping cross-border bus journey times to around 40 minutes. Meanwhile, Legislative Council member Yiu Ming (姚銘) suggested exploring the implementation of bus-only lanes similar to Tuen Mun Road, and advocated for extending 24-hour customs operations to additional border crossings.
Key Points
- Choi Shun-kei attributed last week's severe congestion on the Chung Ming Festival weekend to inadequate lane distribution near the control point, with private vehicles and taxis blocking bus lanes
- He recommended deploying traffic police officers at dedicated bus lane entrances to prevent private cars and taxis from illegally entering, ensuring smooth operations
- Choi proposed implementing bus-only lanes from 11pm to 2-3am on routes approaching Huanggang Port, with cross-border buses maintaining 40-minute journey times
- The transportation industry has prepared for peak periods by increasing five cross-border bus routes to departures every five minutes, with 20-30 additional buses reserved for late-night service
- According to reports, illegal white-plate vehicle platforms have begun experiencing a "cancellation wave" following police enforcement actions, including vehicle seizures and arrests
Why It Matters
The severe congestion at Huanggang Port, while challenging, actually demonstrates the strong demand for cross-border travel between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, validating the substantial investment in the new port infrastructure. With Hong Kong actively promoting night economy initiatives and hosting major international events like The Weeknd concerts at Kai Tak Sports Park, ensuring smooth border crossing operations is crucial for maintaining the city's attractiveness as a destination for mainland visitors and supporting the broader economic recovery strategy .
The severe congestion at Huanggang Port, while challenging, actually demonstrates the strong demand for cross-border travel between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, validating the substantial investment in the new port infrastructure. With Hong Kong actively promoting night economy initiatives and hosting major international events like The Weeknd concerts at Kai Tak Sports Park, ensuring smooth border crossing operations is crucial for maintaining the city's attractiveness as a destination for mainland visitors and supporting the broader economic recovery strategy .