Hong Kong Opens Roads: 100+ Mainland Cars Seek City Access

More than 100 drivers from mainland China applied on the first day for permits to drive directly into Hong Kong's urban centers. The applications follow the launch of a highly anticipated cross-border driving scheme. Hong Kong's Transport Department confirmed the figure on Wednesday. The applicants were among 1,700 winners of a ballot held by Guangdong authorities on November 23. That lottery drew 2,388 registrations from interested drivers. The scheme allows private cars from Guangdong province to enter Hong Kong. Previously, access was heavily restricted. The new program aims to improve integration between the mainland and the special administrative region. Local authorities will now process the applications. They have already passed an initial review by mainland officials. Successful applicants will receive a permit to drive in designated urban areas of Hong Kong.