The Transport Department (TD) today said it received over 100 applications, referred by the Mainland authority, on the first day of applications for the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (Entry into the Urban Area), from eligible Guangdong private cars.

The Guangdong Provincial Government conducted the first ballot round on November 23, with 2,388 people registered, exceeding the pre-set quota of 1,700.

These 1,700 successful applicants started submitting their applications to the Guangdong Provincial Government gradually from yesterday.

After preliminary vetting by the Mainland authority, the application information will be passed to the TD for further vetting and processing of permit application.

When the applicants complete all the required application procedures, such as vehicle inspection, verification of e-contact means, obtaining insurance, and then submitting valid documents via the application system, the TD will issue an electronic permit and approval letter to the successful applicants.

They can then make a travel booking online before entry into Hong Kong. Starting from 0.00am on December 23, the approved Guangdong private cars with confirmed travel bookings can enter Hong Kong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

The TD is working closely with the Mainland authority to expedite the processing of applications. It reminded the applicants to complete each application step on time to speed up the approval process.