New Huanggang checkpoint sees 9,400 inbound travellers in two hours, up over 3.5 times
About 9,400 travellers entered Hong Kong via the new Huanggang checkpoint between 2pm and 4pm, more than 3.5 times the previous average at the Lok Ma Chau control point. Authorities opened all lanes, implemented crowd control and boosted bus services to manage the surge.
The Security Bureau said traveller flows heading south began increasing at the new Huanggang checkpoint from 2pm. Between 2pm and 4pm, about 9,400 travellers entered Hong Kong via the checkpoint, more than 3.5 times the figure recorded during the same period at the Lok Ma Chau control point in the past. The bureau predicted the southbound flow would rise further later in the day.
All clearance lanes on the L4 level arrival hall of the Huanggang checkpoint have been opened. To speed up the dispersal of travellers, the Immigration Department, together with police, will implement crowd diversion and control measures on the L4 and L2 levels depending on the actual situation. If the flow continues to increase, police will arrange for travellers to wait in designated queuing areas after clearance before boarding public transport in a safe and orderly manner, the bureau said.
The Immigration Department has published the latest waiting time information through the Security Bureau's "Port Connect" platform. Travellers can check the latest immigration information for the Huanggang checkpoint and other control points before departure.
The Transport Department has arranged about 120 franchised buses, 40 green minibuses and 130 cross-boundary coaches for service and backup support to cope with the inbound peak. During busy periods, franchised bus frequencies can be increased to one every two to three minutes, while green minibuses and cross-boundary coaches can run every three to four minutes. Franchised bus operators have also added special short-haul trips to speed up the dispersal of arriving passengers and bus turnaround.
Service ambassadors and public transport operators' staff will assist passengers on the L2 level and at the public transport interchange in choosing suitable transport according to their destinations and boarding in an orderly manner. Police officers are also on site to help maintain order.
The Security Bureau said it will continue to work with the Immigration Department, police, the Transport Department and related departments to monitor the checkpoint and traveller flow in real time, and flexibly deploy manpower and take corresponding response measures to ensure smooth clearance arrangements and public transport services. It urged citizens to plan their journeys early, choose suitable control points and, where possible, travel outside peak hours.