The governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau have agreed to launch the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Greater Bay Area Quota Scheme, the Transport Department announced today.

Currently, Hong Kong cross-boundary private cars can either travel between Hong Kong and Guangdong or between Hong Kong and Macau through respective crossings.

Under the new scheme, Hong Kong and Macau cross-boundary private cars can travel between all three places using the bridge.

The department said the move is to better utilise the bridge and facilitate the bay area development.

In addition to their existing approved crossings, holders under the Hong Kong cross-boundary private cars quota will be allowed to use the Cotai Frontier Post (Hengqin Port) to travel between Guangdong and Macau, and use the HZMB Macau Port to travel between Hong Kong and Macau and Shenzhen Bay Port to travel between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

The scheme will be implemented in two phases. While the first phase will accept applications within this month, the second phase is expected to be implemented next year.

The trial phase will accept applications from Hong Kong and Macau cross-boundary private cars allocated under the quotas and with necessary licences or permits of the three places as of the end of June.

About 40 Hong Kong cross-boundary private cars are expected to benefit from the trial phase.

The department will issue letters after October 28 to eligible quota holders to invite applications.