Policy shift sparks surge in Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge crossings

According to data from the Gongbei Customs of Zhuhai, Guangdong province, the number of vehicles only registered in Hong Kong and Macao, or so-called single-plated vehicles, passing through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has increased significantly.

According to the customs, as of Sunday, the total clearance volume of single-plated vehicles from the two special administrative regions has surpassed 2 million. Since new policies were implemented early in 2023, these vehicles have been allowed to head north into the mainland through the bridge.

Before the policies, only dual-plate vehicles — those registered both in the mainland and in Hong Kong or Macao — could make cross-border journeys.

The customs said there had been a strong demand from Hong Kong and Macao residents to drive into the mainland, especially during public holidays and weekends. This year, the daily clearance volume of single-plated vehicles has reached 7,200.

The new policies have spurred a concentrated release of tourism and consumption demand for single-plated vehicles from the two special administrative regions entering Guangdong.

The policy has given rise to new phenomena such as heading north for shopping and one-day self-driving tours in Zhuhai, accelerating the formation of the "one-hour living circle" in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, according to the customs.

Simultaneously, the reduced time cost has encouraged more Hong Kong and Macao residents to drive north looking for jobs and investment opportunities, the customs said.