Lawmakers concerned over lack of parking at Huanggang border checkpoint

Work continues at the revamped Huanggang border crossing building.

Photo: Edmond So Hong Kong lawmakers have expressed concern over the lack of a car park at the upgraded Huanggang border crossing, saying that providing a shuttle bus service for tour groups or motorists to reach the checkpoint building will not be convenient.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said on Friday that the revamped building – which is on the mainland Chinese side of the border in Shenzhen – would not have a public car park or bays for coaches.

The Transport and Logistics Bureau would decide the exact location of a car park near the crossing, he added. “In our plan, we will find a spot that’s very close to the crossing, with the location to be confirmed, such as the San Tin traffic intersection, for residents to park and then take a shuttle bus for a few minutes to reach the Huanggang crossing,” Tang told a Legislative Council security panel meeting.

Lawmaker Dominic Lee Tsz-king said a short shuttle bus ride, even if there were frequent services, would still be inconvenient as it would add at least five to 10 minutes to the journey. “Compared with a completely seamless passage, it’s a long way behind,” Lee said.

Lawmakers called for a public car park similar to the one at the Heung Yuen Wai crossing, where drivers can book a parking spot 30 minutes to seven days before entry.

Tang explained authorities had more space to work with at Heung Yuen Wai, as the land was part of Hong Kong territory and the surrounding area was sparse.

However, the upgraded Huanggang crossing is situated inside a building. “The old building was torn down, and a new one was rebuilt on the site.

There are some limitations regarding space,” Tang said.

Lee asked the security chief whether the government or private operators would run the car park near the Huanggang crossing and if it could be set up in the nearby Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone.

Tang said the transport bureau had been seeking a suitable site and was discussing the issue with relevant industries.

Lawmaker Perry Yiu Pak-leung noted that it seemed “contradictory” for authorities to say they wished to provide diverse, convenient and adequate transport services despite limited space at the proposed public transport interchange at the upgraded crossing.

Authorities said they would arrange for local buses, green minibuses, taxis and cross-border transport services to travel to and f

原文链接: 南华早报