Hong Kong steps up cross-boundary transport measures for Halloween weekend

閱讀中文版本

Authorities will prioritise public transport and maximise clearance capacity at Huanggang Port as cross-boundary traffic is expected to surge over the Halloween weekend.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has announced special transport and clearance arrangements to manage the anticipated surge in cross-boundary passenger and vehicular traffic at Huanggang Port during the Halloween weekend.

With Halloween coinciding with major events including the ‘Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival’ and mega concerts, authorities expect a significant increase in visitor arrivals and late-night cross-boundary travel.

Among the land boundary control points (BCPs) between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, Huanggang Port is currently the only crossing that provides 24-hour clearance services for both passengers and passenger vehicles. Authorities estimate that the busiest period for northbound passenger and vehicular traffic will be between 11pm and 2am from 30 October (Friday) to 1 November (Sunday), with heavy traffic expected at the port and along San Tin Highway.

To prepare for the expected increase in traffic, the Government has instructed all relevant departments to make advance deployments and prioritise the smooth movement of public transport vehicles during peak clearance periods. Relevant departments have also been tasked with strengthening traffic management and public information dissemination.

During peak periods, the Government will adopt the principle of ‘giving priority to public transport’, allowing franchised buses, green minibuses, and cross-boundary coaches to pass through the area ahead of other vehicles.

The Transport Department (TD) and the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) will arrange for four franchised bus routes passing through the San Tin Public Transport Interchange to enter directly from Castle Peak Road. Depending on real-time traffic conditions, the HKPF may also implement traffic control measures and activate vehicle holding areas near San Tin Highway to facilitate traffic diversion and separate bus traffic from cross-boundary private vehicles.

Members of the public and visitors are advised to plan their journeys in advance, take note of the operating hours of various land and rail BCPs, and avoid travelling through Huanggang Port during late-night hours if possible. Those who need to cross the boundary late at night are encouraged to use public transport.

To support port operations, the interdepartmental Joint Command Post at the Huanggang Port will be activated early from the afternoon of 30 October and will operate throughout the weekend. The command post will closely monitor passenger and vehicular flows in real time and maintain close communication with Shenzhen port authorities to ensure swift responses when necessary.

The Immigration Department and other port departments have minimised leave for frontline officers to enable flexible manpower deployment. Authorities will also open all vehicle lanes, automated channels, and manual counters as early as possible ahead of expected clearance peaks, including the clearance facilities at the passenger departure hall on L5, the vehicle departure level on L1, and the departure immigration clearance hall for on-board passengers on L1M.

Meanwhile, the HKPF will continue targeted enforcement against the illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward by cross-boundary private cars. Offending drivers face prosecution, driving disqualification upon conviction, and vehicle impoundment. The TD will also revoke the Closed Road Permits of vehicles found to have breached permit conditions.

To help travellers plan ahead, the Security Bureau, TD, HKPF, and other government departments will step up the dissemination of real-time information about the latest passenger and private vehicle waiting times at land BCPs. Updates will be available through the ‘Easy Boundary’ one-stop immigration clearance platform, the ‘HKeMobility’ mobile application and official social media channels.

Photos / Hong Kong Tourism Board