Local media outlet HK01 reports that the six subsidiary ordinances gazetted on 24 July contain several traveller-friendly provisions that were not widely trailed in earlier government statements. In particular, the Road Traffic (Vehicle Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulation will immediately extend the permitted operating area for New Territories (green) taxis to every road within the Hong Kong Port Area. This removes the need for costly cross-boundary shuttle transfers and is expected to cut ground-side journey times for inbound executives heading to science-park hubs in the northern New Territories. Another notable change is a Telecommunications (Huanggang Port Area) (Licence Exemption) Order that grants approved mainland mobile-network operators permission to provide full-service 5G coverage inside the port without holding a Hong Kong carrier licence. Frequent travellers often complain of signal drop-outs when switching between networks in existing co-located facilities; the exemption should ensure seamless roaming for both Hong Kong and mainland SIM cards and support e-clearance apps that rely on mobile data. The package also designates a purpose-built detention suite for the Immigration Department, mandates customs declarations for cash or bearer-negotiable instruments exceeding HK$120,000 and grants the Commissioner of Police authority to issue blanket permits for drivers and passengers entering the port’s restricted area. All six instruments will be tabled to LegCo for negative vetting but are scheduled to take effect alongside the main ordinance on 31 July. Mobility teams should brief assignees on the practical implications: green taxis will become a viable door-to-door option for late-night arrivals, while travellers using corporate-issued mainland phones should enjoy uninterrupted connectivity throughout clearance. Companies that move high-value goods or cash across the boundary must ensure couriers understand the expanded customs-declaration duty.
Source: HK01
