Hong Kong lawmakers propose measures to ease congestion at new Huanggang checkpoint
Lawmakers and experts suggest real-time traffic info, dedicated bus lanes, and emergency plans to ease weekend congestion at the new Huanggang checkpoint connecting Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
The new Huanggang checkpoint connecting Hong Kong and Shenzhen experienced severe congestion on Saturday and Sunday evenings, prompting lawmakers and transport experts to call for remedial measures.
Chan Hung-kan, chairman of the Legislative Council's transport affairs committee, told RTHK's Millennium programme that every facility has its capacity. The new Huanggang checkpoint can handle about 600 vehicles per hour, he said, and if more than 1,000 vehicles arrive simultaneously, congestion and even backflow are inevitable. He said he would discuss with transport authorities how to effectively ease the traffic bottleneck.
While authorities have said they will monitor the situation in real time and open all vehicle inspection lanes,自助通道 and manual counters early, Chan said these measures could help prevent and manage both pedestrian and vehicle flows. On whether dedicated bus lanes should be introduced, he said occupying too much road space could affect other public transport, but relevant departments could study adjustment measures, including identifying available roadside space for buses.
Yiu Lee, honorary president of the Hong Kong Automobile Association, who participated in several traffic flow tests at the new checkpoint, said some problems have yet to be resolved. He urged authorities to provide drivers with more real-time information to encourage staggered travel during peak hours. He described the checkpoint building as a 'funnel', with only one or two vehicle lanes leading up to it from both Hong Kong and Shenzhen sides, though the Hong Kong port area has a buffer zone where vehicles can wait for police to direct them out one by one.
Lee also noted that the new checkpoint's five-in-one clearance system has two checkpoints on the Shenzhen side, and he had previously observed issues with identity recognition. He called for these problems to be addressed, along with contingency plans for vehicle breakdowns.