Shenzhen Bay control point at Hong Kong border ‘to operate 24 hours’ during Lunar New Year holiday to avoid repeat of transport chaos

Authorities are expected to operate the Shenzhen Bay control point around the clock during next month’s Lunar New Year holiday as part of measures to prevent a repeat of the chaos that left thousands of mainland Chinese tourists waiting hours to cross the Hong Kong border after watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks, the Post has learned.

A source familiar with the arrangement on Friday said the border checkpoint connecting the city with Nanshan district in Shenzhen was scheduled to run 24 hours between February 9 and 13. It currently operates between 6.30am and midnight.

Hong Kong and mainland Chinese authorities had agreed on a tentative plan and were awaiting Beijing’s approval, the insider said, adding related government departments were making preparations for the extended service hours.

The source said the operating hours at the Lo Wu control point for rail passengers might also be extended for one or two days during the holiday, such as on February 11 when Hong Kong would stage a fireworks display.

Hong Kong has 14 control points and four operate around the clock – those at the airport, Lok Ma Chau, the Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.

Lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun said that while round-the-clock operation at the Shenzhen Bay control point should be sufficient to meet demand for crossings, authorities should ensure adequate bus services.