The acting chief for transport and logistics, Liu Chun-san, says the total number of trips made by cross-border cargo truck drivers has increased by around 1,000 in the past two days thanks to relaxed anti-Covid rules.

Previously, Hong Kong drivers had to pass their goods to a driver from the mainland at a shuttle point, who would then drive the items to their destinations, and vice versa.

But from Monday, drivers from the SAR are allowed to go directly to pick-up points on the mainland.

Liu told a press briefing on Friday that the total number of trips made by Hong Kong truck drivers to the mainland increased from an average of around 8,000, to about 9,000 on Thursday and Friday.

He said the point-to-point arrangement not only means drivers can work shorter hours and earn more, but it can benefit the shipping and aviation sectors as well as members of the public.

“Supply of daily necessities, vegetables, and flowers will not run short. It can reduce pressure on businesses to increase prices. Cross-border drivers also stand to win, of course. Their income can go up again. And they won’t be so tired from long hours of work,” he said.

Liu noted, however, that before the fifth wave of Covid-19 infections hit, there were an average 16,000-17,000 trips a day, adding that the government hopes the volume will continue to go up as drivers get used to the current arrangement.