The number of single-plated vehicles entering mainland China via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) has increased significantly since a policy change implemented in early 2023, ECNS reports.
Single-plated vehicles are those registered in Macao or Hong Kong only, as opposed to double-plated vehicles, which also have mainland Chinese registration. According to Gongbei Customs, more than 2 million single-plated vehicles have now made use of the bridge. So far, the daily average for 2024 is around 7,200.
The Northbound Travel Scheme came into effect from 1 January 2023 for eligible Macao-registered vehicles, and from 1 July 2023 for eligible Hong Kong-registered vehicles.
[See more: The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has just turned five]
Before the policy change, only vehicles registered in both the mainland and one or both of the SARs were permitted to make the cross-border journey.
Gongbei Customs said the scheme has opened Guangdong province up to day-trippers from Macao and Hong Kong, who enjoy shopping sprees and driving tours. Weekends and public holidays were the most popular times to make the journey, it noted.
Customs also said that the scheme allowed more Macao and Hong Kong residents to seek employment and investment opportunities in the mainland.
