Editorial | Mainland Chinese drivers need to be aware of and respect Hong Kong laws
The southbound travel scheme will provide greater convenience and facilitate integration, so long as motorists follow the rules
It was always likely, given the different driving conditions and rules on the mainland, that there would be some infringements. But there is a need for the 1,700 drivers who won places on the scheme in a ballot to be aware of and to respect Hong Kong’s laws.
A cautious approach has sensibly been taken to the influx of mainland drivers, more than two years after Hong Kong motorists were permitted to travel in the opposite direction. Up to 100 can enter each day, via the bridge linking the city to Macau and Zhuhai. It is a relatively small number. The drivers must first undergo vehicle checks, obtain Hong Kong driving licences, secure third-party risk insurance and provide relevant documents and contact details.
The government is taking steps to remedy these problems. This must be done quickly as there are plans to expand the scheme beyond the four cities that qualify. Local businesses are hoping to cash in on the scheme, with hotels, restaurants and shopping malls offering deals and discounts. There is much potential if the quota is expanded. But road safety must be the priority. It is not just mainland drivers that need to comply with the rules. Violations of traffic regulations are on the increase generally in Hong Kong.