Guangdong and Hong Kong authorities are considering allowing a certain number of private cars to cross the border at Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint starting next month, according to a cooperation framework agreement implemented last month.

Under the current rule, only vehicles of qualified logistics companies, Hong Kong companies with mainland investment and some government departments are allowed to cross the border.

In the first stage of the cross-border private car scheme, Hong Kong drivers of cars with five seats or less could apply to enter Guangdong for a maximum seven-day stay each time, the Daily Sunshine reported yesterday, citing Ta Kung Pao, a Chinese-language newspaper in Hong Kong.

Each day, 500 Hong Kong private vehicles would be allowed to cross. Private vehicles from Guangdong would be allowed to enter Hong Kong in the second stage of the scheme, the paper said.

However, the plans and starting time are still awaiting government approval.

Preparation has begun for the pilot scheme at Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint, including the setting up of special channels and the erection of signs, the paper said.

Hong Kong media reported that once the scheme is implemented, drivers in Hong Kong wishing to cross will have to buy Guangdong insurance and drivers crossing in the other direction will have to do likewise. In addition, the two governments would consider taking into account drivers’ past traffic violations when issuing the temporary entry permit, the paper said. A driver of a Hong Kong company in Shenzhen, Zhan, said mainland drivers should pay more attention to driving etiquette when driving in Hong Kong.