The Security Bureau today led the disciplined services to conduct drills at three boundary control points to ensure they can operate smoothly once normal travel with the Mainland resumes on January 8.

The drills were held at the Man Kam To, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line (Futian) and Shenzhen Bay control points. The participating departments and organisations included Police, the Immigration Department, the Customs & Excise Department, the Transport Department and the MTR Corporation.

The exercises simulated the arrival of more than 300 travellers at the control points by cross-boundary coaches and private cars as well as trains to test the efficiency of various units in handling an abundance of travellers. Over 600 personnel were enlisted for this purpose.

A triage procedure for northbound passengers was simulated in which each passenger had to present proof of a negative nucleic acid test result within 48 hours of their trip. They also had to present proof of a successful reservation if they are travellers with reservation required.

Additionally, the drills tested whether the Hong Kong personnel and their counterparts from the Mainland can maintain prompt and close communication to launch the kind of co-ordination mechanism that is necessary to tackle possible people and traffic congestion in the port areas.

Various scenarios, including departing travellers failing to present all necessary supporting documents and outbound travellers carrying prohibited items without a licence, were simulated as well.

The bureau said it will take time for travellers to get acquainted with the arrangements at the initial stage of the resumption of normal travel with the Mainland as heavy flows at such control points cannot be ruled out.

In addition to advising travellers to have patience and heed the instructions of personnel at the control points, the bureau reminded people to make sure they bring all the required documents for inspection.