Fast increasing: Lok Ma Chau Control Point's longer operating hours saw traveller flow surge to 24.48 million last year, up 46.4% over 2002, well above the original estimate of 28%. Click on the magnifying glass to see a chart.

Lok Ma Chau Control Point's longer operating hours saw traveller flow surge to 24.48 million last year, up 46.4% over 2002, well above the original estimate of 28%.

Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee told legislators today that when the Government introduced 24-hour passenger clearance at the control point in January last year, the initial estimate was 6,000 overnight passengers every day. However, the figure has grown from 6,370 per day in the first half of the year to 9,800 after July.

Mr Lee said with fast increasing cross-boundary passenger traffic, Shenzhen authorities are considering improvement works at Huanggang Port to facilitate traffic management and better align with the increased handling capacity of Lok Ma Chau.

Major works include converting the first level of the carport south of Huanggang Port into a departure clearance hall, and the existing joint inspection terminal into an arrival clearance hall.

When these works are complete, the waiting area for passengers and the handling capacity of Huanggang Port will be enlarged.

"We understand the plan is still under consideration and has not yet been finalised," Mr Lee said, adding that it will still have to go through procedures for approval, project creation and funding by the Shenzhen Municipal Government before it can be implemented.