TNAG-2791-FCO40-4030-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China.-With-maps-1993 — Page 84

Arguments For and Against a 24-hour Border Opening

Annex D

Arguments for

(a) Better

border

Spread of

Traffic:

congestion in the

There would be less

mornings and in the

evenings and this would improve the traffic flow

in major roads connected to the border.

(b)

Benefits to Cross-border Trade and Transport:

Storage costs and related

expenses would be

reduced if cargoes could be hauled across the

border day or night. With a more convenient and

less congested border, more trade and travel are

likely to be generated. The Port Development

Board has estimated that in the absence of a

24-hour border, Hong Kong loses $3 billion each

year because of congestion at peak hours and

shipment delays during night hours.

(c)

Convenience for Drivers: Additional trips could

be made if the border was always open. Also,

involved in long-distance haulage, say,

drivers

between

Dongguan and Hong Kong, would be able to

return to Hong Kong on the same day.