TNAG-1854-FCO40-2629-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-memoranda-and-minutes-of-me-1989 — Page 235

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 18 January 1989

一九八九年一月十八日 香港立法局

Congestion of vehicles at border crossing

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12. MR. BARROW asked: Given that the number of vehicles crossing at the border has increased to 11 000 a day compared with only 500 a day in 1980, with resulting long delays at the border and additional congestion throughout Hong Kong during the day, will Government consider entering into discussion with the Chinese authorities to examine the feasibility of opening the border for a longer period to reduce delays and congestion on the main roads during peak hours?

SECRETARY FOR SECURITY: Sir, while it is true that there has been serious congestion at the Man Kam To border crossing point in the past, particularly in the second half of 1987, the problem has been less serious during 1988. Much has been done to reduce congestion by both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen authorities, including the provision of more Customs and Immigration staff, opening more processing lanes and the provision of an extra lane on the Man Kam To road.

Extending the existing hours of 7.30 am to 8.00 pm during which the crossing point is open has been carefully considered, but for two reasons it has been decided not to seek for any extension with the Chinese authorities.

First, the new Lok Ma Chau border crossing point is scheduled to open in the middle of this year. With a twelve-and-a-half hour working day, the new facility will have a daily processing capacity of 15 750 vehicles, bringing the total capacity of the crossing points, Lok Ma Chau, Man Kam to and Sha Tau Kok to around 28 000 vehicles per day. This should prevent congestion problems until at least 1995. Thereafter, Phase II of Lok Ma Chau will provide capacity for a further 11 250 vehicles per day.

Second, an analysis of traffic at Man Kam To shows that there is a north- bound peak in the morning extending into the early afternoon and a south-bound peak in the late afternoon and early evening. While there might be additional demand for crossings after 8.00 pm, it seems unlikely that there would be significant demand during the night. Extending the opening hours also presents practical difficulties. Customs and Immigration currently work a two-shift system at Man Kam To and Sha Tau Kok. To extend the opening hours would require additional staff and split shifts.

For the time being extended opening hours at the border crossing points are not considered to be essential. The situation will, however, be monitored and it may be that this solution will need to be considered before Phase II of Lok Ma