26th May 2025 – (Hong Kong) National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Vice Chairman Leung Chun-ying has sharply criticised reported plans for a “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles” scheme, dismissing arguments for its phased implementation as emblematic of a “culture of inaction”. In a series of social media posts on Sunday (26th May), Leung questioned the rationale behind delaying the policy, which aims to revitalise Hong Kong’s economy by attracting high-spending mainland tourists. He argued that prolonged deliberations over logistics and eligibility criteria reflect misplaced priorities, stating: “To act requires one reason; to delay, a hundred excuses.”
The Hong Kong government is considering a two-stage rollout of the scheme, beginning as early as late 2024. Phase one would restrict Guangdong-registered vehicles to an automated parking facility at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) artificial island. Phase two would permit limited urban access under a quota system. Proponents argue the initiative could counter declining tourist spending by mainland visitors, with Legislative Council member Gary Zhang advocating eligibility thresholds tied to financial status or consumption records to ensure “high-value tourism”.
Leung, however, challenged the premise of linking the policy to spending trends, retorting: “If Mainland tourists’ consumption hadn’t dropped, would we still avoid implementing this?” He also ridiculed suggestions that Guangdong drivers undergo mandatory workshops on Hong Kong traffic rules, countering: “Do Hong Kong drivers face such requirements in the Mainland?” Highlighting a decade-old cross-border agreement forged during his tenure as Chief Executive, Leung noted the HZMB’s underutilised potential, asking: “After seven years of operation, are we still studying the basics?”
The criticism comes as the existing “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles” programme, launched in July 2023, has approved over 144,000 permits—equivalent to one in five eligible Hong Kong cars. While this scheme enables short-term travel to Guangdong for business or leisure, its southbound counterpart remains stalled despite earlier pledges for a 2023 debut. Transport officials confirm that the HZMB parking facilities will open alongside the scheme’s launch, but urban access details are still under discussion with mainland authorities.
Gary Zhang defended his proposal for asset or spending thresholds, likening it to Guangdong’s pre-HZMB policy of granting northbound permits based on investment or philanthropy. He argued that controlled quotas could balance tourism revenue with infrastructure strain, stating: “Precision in quota allocation can achieve both economic vibrancy and sustainability.” Leung, however, dismissed such conditions as politically naïve, stressing that Hong Kong must “think reciprocally” in cross-border relations.
