Thousands of cross-border trucks continued to wait in long queues to pass two Shenzhen checkpoints yesterday, after an unprecedented heavy traffic jam Monday drew citywide attention.

An 8- to 10-kilometer-long queue built up leading up to Huanggang and Wenjindu checkpoints Monday afternoon, which was only relieved later after Party chief Li Hongzhong and Mayor Xu Zongheng gave instructions to Shenzhen Customs to speed up procedures at the checkpoints bordering Hong Kong.

But yesterday still saw queues stretching four to five kilometers.

The jams, according to the customs, followed new weight restrictions enforced Monday.

It means any trucks overloaded by 500 kilograms or more have to be inspected and only allowed on their way by offloading goods.

At least 1,200 overloaded trucks, accounting for 8 percent of the daily cross-border trucks, were seized between Monday afternoon and 2 a.m. yesterday.

Representatives from the cross-border truck drivers' association agreed to strictly obey the new regulation and cooperate with the customs to ease the congestion, after a meeting with the authorities yesterday.

Some drivers complained that it took three hours for them to cross the border yesterday, a procedure that normally takes half an hour.

A driver who declined to reveal his name said the 500-kilogram standard was too strict because a truck can regularly carry 20 to 30 tons of goods. He said drivers are required to pay 300 to 600 yuan in extra fees for the inspection.

An announcement made by the Shenzhen Customs said the two-day traffic jam was caused by "some drivers who overloaded their truck sand made false declarations."

"This seriously affected customs officials in executing the laws, as well as bringing inconvenience to other vehicles," it said.

It said the two checkpoints had already taken emergency measures to ease the congestion, including extending the working hours to 2 a.m., opening more declaration counters and deploying extra staff. "All the trucks at Wenjindu Checkpoint were released before 2 a.m. yesterday," customs said.

Cheng Chi-wai, chairman for Lok Ma Chau China-Hong Kong Freight Association, said the situation was improving yesterday, while Ho Lup-ki, director of the Hong Kong Shippers' Council, said the standstill had not cost the industry too much as it was low season.

Editor: Yan