Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Streamlining procedures and enhancing Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles to make better use of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge’s carrying capacity
A spokesman for the TD said that the Government published in the Gazette today that, starting from October 13, applicants approved to participate in NBT need not apply for Closed Road Permits (CRPs) and pay permit fees. Upon receipt of the “electronic approval letters” issued by the TD, they can proceed to book their trips online or travel directly on days with no bookings required. This new arrangement will provide more convenience and attract more people to apply for NBT, enhancing their travel experience.
Since its implementation in July 2023, NBT has become popular among Hong Kong citizens. Both passenger and vehicle flows between Guangdong and Hong Kong via the HZMB have been on the rise, and over 100 000 Hong Kong private cars have participated in NBT to date. The governments of the two places have been enhancing NBT from applications, vehicle inspection and booking arrangements to provide additional convenience for Hong Kong residents to drive to Guangdong Province for work, business, sight-seeing and visiting families. Such measures include:
(1) Increasing the number of applications accepted: The number of applications for NBT accepted on each working day has been gradually increased from 200 at the beginning to 500 from January 2025. Unused quotas from applications not submitted within the assigned period are allocated to the next round, making full use of resources;
(2) Adjustments to booking arrangements: Since October 2023, the travel booking time slots have been adjusted from six sessions to four sessions to allow greater flexibility for travel; and since February 2024, the deadlines for making and cancelling travel booking were adjusted from two days and three days before the travelling date, respectively, to 12 noon on the day before travelling;
(3) Enhancing vehicle inspection arrangements: Following the establishment of a dedicated NBT vehicle inspection centre in Hong Kong, applicants need not undergo vehicle inspection on the Mainland. From March 2024, vehicle inspection was exempted if the applicant re-submits NBT applications within two years upon passing the vehicle inspection within the validity of the Mainland Electronic Vehicle Licence and with the applicant and vehicle remaining unchanged;
(4) Renewal convenience: From May 2024, if the applicant, vehicle (including vehicle registration mark, colour and chassis/vehicle identification number) and the designated drivers remain unchanged, computer balloting was not required and applicants can submit their renewal applications online within the assigned period. Besides, if the renewal applicants do not conform to the above renewal qualifications, they should re-register for the ballot and submit their applications afresh within the designated period. In addition, the ballot registration period has been relaxed from 30 to 60 days prior to the expiry of their CRPs for better convenience;
(5) Extending application period: Since April 2025, the designated application period for new and renewal applicants has been extended from three and six calendar days, respectively, to 13 days for both, providing sufficient time for applicants to prepare the necessary documents;
(6) Waiving booking prior to travel: From September 1, 2025, bookings are not required for vehicles travelling via the HZMB under NBT on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except specified dates. Among the Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the first three weeks of September, the number of vehicle trips to Guangdong Province under NBT has significantly increased compared to that in August before the implementation of the new arrangement, providing convenience for more flexible travel; and
(7) No need to apply for CRP: From October 13, 2025, approved applicants under NBT are not required to make an application for CRP and pay permit fees. They may make travel booking immediately after receiving the “electronic approval letter” issued by the TD with a better travelling experience.
The governments of the two places will continue to review the effectiveness of enhancement measures. Applicants may refer to NBT’s thematic website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 19:55
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Hong Kong Police Force conducts inter-departmental tabletop exercise to strengthen emergency coordination and preparedness for 15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Police Force conducts inter-departmental tabletop exercise to strengthen emergency coordination and preparedness for 15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG Issued at HKT 19:54
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Vehicles under Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles and designated cross-boundary driving schemes no longer required to apply for Closed Road Permit starting from October 13
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Transport Department (TD) announced today (October 3) that, starting from October 13, vehicles approved to participate in the Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (NBT) will not be required to apply for a Closed Road Permit (CRP). The same arrangement applies to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Macao Port Park-and-Ride Scheme and the Shenzhen Bay Ad Hoc Quotas for Cross Boundary Private Cars, with effect from October 20. Such measures will further facilitate cross-boundary travel and enhance efficiency, and over 100 000 eligible vehicles are expected to benefit.
The application eligibility and other conditions of the above-mentioned schemes remain unchanged. Anyone who wishes to participate in the schemes is still required to submit applications to the TD in accordance with the respective schemes’ requirements. However, upon the TD’s approval, vehicles will not be subject to the designated closed road restrictions and will not need to apply for CRPs for passing through the closed roads connecting the control points. Appropriate traffic signs will be set up at relevant locations to indicate that vehicles approved under the designated schemes are exempted from closed road restrictions. Vehicles may be driven on the following closed roads according to the respective scheme arrangements:
| Designated cross-boundary driving scheme | Effective date | Designated closed roads approved to be driven on |
| Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles | October 13 |
|
| HZMB Macao Port Park-and-Ride Scheme | October 20 | |
| Shenzhen Bay Ad Hoc Quotas for Cross Boundary Private Cars | October 20 |
|
Existing holders of valid CRPs
The TD will inform the existing CRP holders by email of the arrangements before and after implementing the new measure as below:
- Prior to the implementation date: they should continue to display a valid CRP on the vehicle’s windscreen before travelling.
- After the implementation date: there is no need to display the CRP on the vehicle’s windscreen. However, they should keep the valid CRPs and the approval letters until expiry so that they can present them to law enforcement officers as documentary proof for verification of the eligibility of the vehicles under the designated schemes when requested. Upon the expiry of their current CRPs and approval letters, permit holders who wish to continue participating in the relevant scheme should submit renewal applications to the TD in accordance with the respective scheme’s requirements.
New or renewal applications
For new or renewal applications, since applicants participating in the designated schemes are no longer required to make an application for CRP, the TD will only issue an “electronic approval letter” to successful applicants to confirm their eligibility to participate in the schemes. Successful applicants can download or print it as documentary proof in case of inspection by law enforcement officers regarding the eligibility of the vehicles under the designated schemes.
The Road Traffic (Traffic Control) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 has been passed by the Legislative Council. The Government has published a notice in the Gazette today, specifying that, starting from the respective effective dates, the vehicles approved under the three aforementioned designated schemes will not be subject to the designated closed road restrictions.
Import of poultry meat and products from Community of Madrid in Spain suspended
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (October 3) that in view of a notification from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in the Community of Madrid in Spain, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.
A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 50 tonnes of frozen poultry meat, and about 50 000 poultry eggs from Spain in the first six months of this year.
“The CFS has contacted the Spanish authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the World Organisation for Animal Health and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.
FEHD releases eighth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in September (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases eighth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in September
| District Among the eighth batch of Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering nine survey areas in September, all were below 10 per cent, except Ma On Shan in Sha Tin District.
For Ma On Shan in Sha Tin District, which recorded an index over 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the recent chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. In particular, the gravidtrap data for Ma On Shan showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools and public and private housing estates. The relevant departments and stakeholders are actively following up on the mosquito control work. The FEHD will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify the residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together on mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in this area to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.Starting in August this year, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD will disseminate the relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission. Following the recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks’ surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 18:55 NNNN Metropolis development meeting heldSource: Hong Kong Information Services Chaired by Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, the Working Group on Planning & Development under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis held its first meeting today. Mr Wong said that to implement the development objectives outlined by the Chief Executive in the 2025 Policy Address and in accordance with the directives of the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis, the working group will strive to establish a comprehensive and efficient mechanism to co-ordinate land development and infrastructure projects in the Northern Metropolis. This will ensure the timely delivery of land and supporting facilities, strengthen supervision of works projects in the Northern Metropolis, and expedite their approval process. The working group will also participate in the preparatory work for dedicated legislation for the Northern Metropolis, in respect of accelerating land and infrastructure development. A dedicated project supervision office has been established under the working group to speed up the approval process for private projects in the Northern Metropolis. The office reported its work plan at the meeting, aiming to finalise and announce operational details by the end of this year. Similarly, three dedicated groups overseeing public housing, railways and major roads, as well as other public works projects, will also formulate operational details within this year. An update on the preparatory work for the dedicated legislation for the Northern Metropolis was also reported during the meeting. The Chief Executive announced in the 2025 Policy Address the establishment of the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis, led by the Chief Executive, to elevate the decision-making level of Northern Metropolis development. The Working Group on Planning & Development, which is among the three working groups set up under the committee, will be responsible for co-ordinating and consolidating various tasks across planning, engineering, land, transportation and environmental protection, ensuring the timely provision of the required land and supporting facilities, including infrastructure. The working group is committed to strengthening the co-ordination and supervision of the project approval process in the Northern Metropolis, with a view to reducing cost and saving time by accelerating the approval process. Hongkong Post to issue “Aviation Development in Hong Kong” special stamps (with photos)Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4 Hongkong Post announced today (October 3) that a set of special stamps and associated philatelic products on the theme of “Aviation Development in Hong Kong” will be released for sale on October 21 (Tuesday). Hong Kong’s airport plays an indispensable role in the successful development of Hong Kong into an international aviation hub. The first recorded flight at Kai Tak took place 100 years ago. Kai Tak later evolved into an airport and the passenger terminal of Kai Tak Airport was completed and commenced service in the 1960s. Though operating only with a single runway, Kai Tak Airport had become one of the busiest airports in the world by the 1990s. For long-term development, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) was relocated to Chek Lap Kok in 1998, and has since gradually expanded to have a dual-runway and now a three-runway system. Moreover, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Airport Authority Hong Kong are pressing ahead with the Airport City development strategy, under which HKIA will be transformed into a node of various economic activities. Hongkong Post will issue a set of special stamps and associated philatelic products on the theme of “Aviation Development in Hong Kong” to feature the thriving aviation development in the city. Official first day covers for “Aviation Development in Hong Kong” will be on sale at all post offices and Hongkong Post’s online shopping platform ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk) from October 6. This set of special stamps and associated philatelic products will be on sale at all post offices and ShopThruPost from October 21, while serviced first day covers affixed with the special stamps and postage prepaid picture cards (air mail) will be available at philatelic offices only. A hand-back date-stamping service will be provided on October 21 at all post offices for official first day covers/souvenir covers/privately made covers bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address. Information about this set of special stamps and associated philatelic products is available on the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk). Temporary suspension of LCSD’s self-service library station services at Hong Kong Cultural CentreSource: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4 The self-service library station located at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui will be suspended from 10pm on October 13 (Monday) to 8am on the following day to facilitate the periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations at the venue, a spokesman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (October 3). During the service suspension period, readers are welcome to use the book drop services of other public libraries including those at the MTR Central, Kowloon Tong and Nam Cheong stations to return library materials. They may also renew library materials by telephoning 2698 0002 or 2827 2833 or via www.hkpl.gov.hk. Special traffic arrangements for Mid-Autumn FestivalSource: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4 The Police announced today (October 3) that special traffic arrangements will be implemented on Hong Kong Island and in the New Territories from October 5 to 7 to facilitate the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Hong Kong Island A. Road closure The following roads will be closed from 2pm to 11.59pm daily: – Lai Yin Lane; B. Traffic diversions The following traffic diversions will be implemented daily from 5pm to 11.59pm: – Traffic along westbound King’s Road cannot turn left to Tung Lo Wan Road; C. Suspension of parking spaces All metered, motorcycle and disabled parking spaces on the above closed roads will be suspended daily from noon to 11.59pm. Causeway Bay The following roads will be closed for implementation of a part-time pedestrian scheme from noon to 11.59pm on October 5 and 7, and from 4pm on October 6 to 3am of the following day: – Lockhart Road east of Cannon Street; B. Road closure (I) Depending on the crowd and traffic conditions, the following roads may be closed from 7pm to 11.59pm on October 5 and 7, and from 7pm on October 6 to 3am of the following day: – Sugar Street; (II) If necessary, the following roads may be closed: – Cleveland Street between Gloucester Road and Kingston Road; C. Traffic diversions Depending on the crowd and traffic conditions, the following traffic diversions may be implemented from 7pm to 11.59pm on October 5 and 7, and from 7pm on October 6 to 3am of the following day: – Traffic from Victoria Park Road flyover heading for southbound Gloucester Road must turn right to westbound Gloucester Road; D. Suspension of car parks and parking spaces – All parking spaces at Hing Fat Street Public Car Park will be suspended from 5pm on October 6 to 3am of the following day, and from 7pm to 11.59pm on October 7, except for disabled parking spaces; E. Suspension of public transport interchange The Tin Hau Station Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from 7pm on October 6 to 3am of the following day. F. Prohibition for learner drivers The following roads will be prohibited to all learner drivers from 7pm to 11.59pm on October 5 and 7, and from 7pm on October 6 to 3am of the following day: – Eastbound Leighton Road; Aberdeen and Pok Fu Lam (I) The offside lane of Nam Ning Street between its southern junction with Chengtu Road and outside the Nam Ning Street Sitting-out Area will be closed from 6pm to 10.30pm. (II) Depending on the crowd and traffic conditions, the following roads will be intermittently closed from 4pm to 10pm: – Tung Sing Road; (III) Depending on the crowd and traffic conditions, the following roads will be intermittently closed from 4pm to 11.59pm: – Pok Fu Lam Road near Pok Fu Lam Village, except for the fast lane; Repulse Bay Depending on the crowd and traffic conditions, the following arrangements may be implemented on October 6 and 7: – South Bay Road south of South Bay Path may be closed if the car parks on South Bay Road are full, except for residents’ vehicles and public transports; B. Suspension of parking spaces The following parking spaces will be suspended from 4pm on October 6 to 6am of the following day: – All metered and motorcycle parking spaces on Island Road, except disabled parking spaces; and Shek O Depending on the crowd and traffic conditions, the following roads may be closed on October 6 and 7, except for residents’ vehicles, public transport services and vehicles with permit: – Shek O Headland Road; and B. Suspension of parking spaces Sixteen parking spaces at the Shek O Beach Public Car Park will be suspended from noon on October 6 to 8pm of the following day. New Territories – Golden Beach Path; Tsuen Wan The following roads will be closed from 5pm to 3am of the following day daily on October 6 and 7: – Tai Mo Shan Road east of its junction with Route Twisk, except for residents’ vehicles; and B. Suspension of car park and parking spaces From 5pm to 3am of the following day daily on October 6 and 7, Tai Mo Shan Country Park Car Park will be closed. Twenty-three metered parking spaces and other parking spaces at the car park will also be suspended. Ma On Shan – Ma On Shan Tsuen Road south of the turnaround; The Police will implement appropriate arrangements subject to the prevailing traffic and crowd conditions. Motorists are advised to exercise tolerance and patience, and take heed of instructions of police officers on site. Public urged to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month by adopting healthy lifestyle and participating in risk-based breast cancer screeningsSource: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4 The Department of Health (DH) today (October 3) urged the public to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month by adopting a healthy lifestyle and undergoing risk-based screenings to prevent breast cancer. The Government attaches great importance to cancer prevention and control work, including the launch of the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme (BCSPP) in 2021. Among the breast cancer cases identified, the vast majority were at early stages, which shows that risk-based screening can enhance the recovery rate of breast cancer patients through early detection and treatment. “Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females and the third leading cause of cancer deaths among females in Hong Kong. In 2022, there were 5 182 newly diagnosed invasive female breast cancer cases, accounting for 28.6 per cent of all new cancer cases in women in Hong Kong. In 2023, the disease led to 834 deaths among women, accounting for 13.1 per cent of female cancer deaths. The DH has been promoting the adoption of a healthy lifestyle as primary prevention of cancer, including avoiding tobacco and alcohol, eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight. The DH also promotes breast awareness and breastfeeding as ways to prevent breast cancer. Screening, as secondary prevention, enables the early detection and treatment of breast cancer and enhances the recovery rate,” said the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, Dr Edwin Tsui. Phase I of the BCSPP was launched in 2021. From 2021 to 2024, over 37 000 women aged between 44 and 69 at moderate and average risk have received breast cancer risk assessment. The Pilot Programme showed that 97 per cent of breast cancer cases identified through screening were at early stages (stage II or below). The breast cancer risk assessment and screening have been included as part of the services provided by the Woman Health Service and the Elderly Health Service in 2024. Phase II of the BCSPP was launched in June 2025 to provide subsidised breast cancer screening services to female Hong Kong residents aged 35 to 74 who are at high risk of developing breast cancer (see Annex 1 for details). Eligible women can receive a high level of government subsidy for annual mammography (MMG) screening. Additional ultrasound will be arranged for those who are confirmed to carry specific genetic mutations. For Phase II of the BCSPP, the DH collaborates with three non-governmental organisations (NGOs) through public-private partnership programmes. Eligible women may contact any one of the three NGOs’ designated clinics (see Annex 2) to make an appointment for assessment. Currently, all service providers do not charge any co-payment from the service users. As of September 28, over 800 women at high risk have undergone MMG screening, with more than 30 referred to specialists for follow-up due to abnormal screening results. The Government will evaluate the effectiveness of Phase II of the BCSPP in a timely manner and review the future development of breast cancer screening. Meanwhile, to utilise resources more effectively and expand the multidisciplinary primary healthcare service network, the DH’s women health services provided at the Woman Health Centres and the designated Maternal and Child Health Centres are being integrated into the district health network of the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission). During the transition period of service integration, those who have already paid their annual fee and are still within the service period will continue to receive relevant services from the DH. The PHC Commission has commenced the integration of women’s health services this year in an orderly manner, whereby women’s primary healthcare services are provided through three service points named Women Wellness Satellites (WWS), which form a network with District Health Centres/Expresses (collectively DHCs) in 18 districts, and gradually replace the Woman Health Service of the DH. Women aged 64 or below who wish to receive women’s health services must first register as members of the DHCs. The DHCs will arrange health risk and basic women’s health assessments as well as family doctor pairing, and arrange for them to receive services at WWSs as needed. For more information, members of the public can visit the WWS website. Those aged 65 to 69 will continue to receive services at the Elderly Health Centres of the DH. To address the preventive and screening needs of underprivileged groups, DHCs are in parallel arranging for women who are Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients or holders of valid Certificate for Waiver of Medical Charges to receive the same preventive care and health promotion services for women at selected HA General Out-patient Clinics. October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month every year to highlight the importance of screenings and promote healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. The DH reminds the public that the symptoms of breast cancer at an early stage are often subtle. Women should familiarise themselves with the normal look and feel of their breasts. If any abnormal changes are noticed, such as lumps in the breast or armpit, dimpling or “orange-skin” appearance of the breast, changes in size or shape, and rash around, in-drawing of, abnormal discharge or bleeding from the nipple, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible. |