TRAFFIC flow via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has increased significantly since July 1, following the implementation of the northbound travel program.

The average daily volume of vehicles, including passenger cars and trucks, entering and leaving the Chinese mainland via the bridge hit 8,832 in July, according to Gongbei Customs in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.

Of the vehicles, 7,200 were passenger cars, accounting for about 80% of the daily traffic volume.

The northbound travel program took effect Jan. 1 for Macao and July 1 for Hong Kong. The scheme allows eligible vehicles to travel between the two special administrative regions and Guangdong via the mega sea-crossing bridge.

The program, part of measures to promote connectivity in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, has aided the owners of 554,038 single-plate vehicles from Hong Kong and Macao, according to customs.

Single-plate vehicles refer to those that only have plates issued by Hong Kong or Macao. Before the program, only dual-plate vehicles — those registered both in the mainland and in an SAR — could make cross-border journeys. (China Daily)