Ensure smooth flow at boundary checkpoints: CS

Chief Secretary Eric Chan has urged government departments to ensure the smooth flow of travelers at boundary checkpoints. This comes after videos surfaced on social media displaying lengthy queues at the checkpoint, primarily consisting of seven-seat vehicles attempting to cross into Shenzhen after midnight. The bottlenecks extended as far as San Tin Highway.

Many northbound travelers were also stranded in urban areas, with long lines forming for cross-border coach services in Mong Kok. These individuals had journeyed to Hong Kong for Halloween celebrations or a concert in Kai Tak. Eddie Choi, chairman of the Hong Kong Non-Franchised Bus Association, explained that private cars holding permits for other checkpoints were rerouted to Huanggang, as it is the sole 24-hour crossing to Shenzhen.

Timothy Chui, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, anticipates even greater cross-border travel next weekend and suggested setting up dedicated lanes for buses and coaches around the port facility. Chief Secretary Eric Chan, after his own visit to the Shenzhen Bay and Huanggang control points, directed the Security Bureau to maintain the safety, efficiency, and orderliness of port operations.

Authorities were advised to anticipate and forecast passenger traffic, as well as to establish additional inspection counters and vehicle lanes during peak periods. Chan also urged travelers to take into account staying overnight in the Special Administrative Region for a more comfortable and enriching experience.