Guangdong to issue more license plates to HK vehicles

Guangdong province will issue an additional 10,000 license plates to vehicles from the Hong Kong special administrative region before the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge opens, according to a senior police officer.

Half will be issued this month, while the other half will be approved before the bridge begins operation early next year, said Zheng Dong, deputy director of the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department.

"Meanwhile negotiations are underway with Hong Kong authorities to grant even more license plates to Hong Kong vehicles," he told a news conference in Guangzhou on Tuesday.

"The move aims to help further expand cooperation among Hong Kong, Macao and Guangdong, and better serve the economic construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area."

Guangdong has issued more than 75,000 license plates to vehicles from neighboring Hong Kong and Macao, allowing them on roads in one of the mainland's economic powerhouses and home to many foreign-funded companies and joint ventures.

Zhuhai also plans to increase the quota for vehicles from Macao entering Hengqin Free Trade Zone to 800 this year. Currently, the city allows 100 vehicles from Macao to operate in Hengqin island, located at the mouth of the Pearl River.

"Vehicles from Hong Kong and Macao can enjoy the same treatment as local cars, giving them six years of exemption from any examination and inspection in Guangdong," Zheng said.

Authorities will further simplify procedures for car owners from Hong Kong and Macao to apply for license plates in Guangdong, he added.