Hong Kong’s Security Bureau told legislators that it is stepping up manpower, technology and co-ordination with Shenzhen to shorten queues at the city’s busiest land checkpoints. Answering a Legislative Council written question, Security Secretary Tang Ping-keung said the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang checkpoint already operates 24 hours and that special late-night or holiday extensions will be activated at other crossings when demand warrants it.
Tang disclosed that all land control points have, for three consecutive years, met the Immigration Department’s service pledges of clearing 98 % of residents within 15 minutes and 95 % of visitors within 30 minutes. Measures include “real-time notification hotlines” with mainland counterparts, rapid conversion of goods-vehicle kiosks to passenger lanes, and pre-deployment of extra e-channels and bus services during peak periods such as Golden Week.
Longer-term, officials will study whether more checkpoints should move to round-the-clock operation once cross-boundary traffic fully rebounds. Passenger numbers have recovered to near-pre-pandemic levels, with daily flows topping 600,000 on public-holiday eves.
For corporates moving staff between Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, the commitment to shorter queues – and the possibility of extended opening hours – reduces travel risk and overtime costs. Mobility managers are advised to schedule shifts away from nightly closing times until automation upgrades are complete.
Tang disclosed that all land control points have, for three consecutive years, met the Immigration Department’s service pledges of clearing 98 % of residents within 15 minutes and 95 % of visitors within 30 minutes. Measures include “real-time notification hotlines” with mainland counterparts, rapid conversion of goods-vehicle kiosks to passenger lanes, and pre-deployment of extra e-channels and bus services during peak periods such as Golden Week.
Longer-term, officials will study whether more checkpoints should move to round-the-clock operation once cross-boundary traffic fully rebounds. Passenger numbers have recovered to near-pre-pandemic levels, with daily flows topping 600,000 on public-holiday eves.
For corporates moving staff between Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, the commitment to shorter queues – and the possibility of extended opening hours – reduces travel risk and overtime costs. Mobility managers are advised to schedule shifts away from nightly closing times until automation upgrades are complete.
