I read with interest that government departments are co-ordinating closely to ensure that the anticipated increase in border traffic will proceed smoothly.

Already it appears that the Lok Ma Chau border crossing is inadequate to deal with the numbers, despite its remodelling. At busy times there are frequently long queues, even when all of the immigration booths are open. And there appear to be insufficient bays to accommodate all of the buses and their passengers.

On the mainland side, there are sufficient booths, but these are never fully manned, and passport holders stand in long queues. No one holding a passport can say how long it will take to cross the border.