The first phase of the Southbound Travel Scheme took effect on Saturday, allowing cars from Guangdong to be left at automated car parks near the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge for flight transits.

The parking facility offers up to 1,800 parking spaces and operates 24/7, while Guangdong drivers are not required to hold a Hong Kong license plate for “park and fly.”

After parking their cars, Guangdong drivers can take shuttle buses to the airport for flight transits without needing to clear Hong Kong immigration.

Transport minister Mable Chan said the cross-boundary initiative will enhance links between Guangdong and Hong Kong.

“The proximity of Hong Kong International Airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge forms a synergy,” she said.

A Guangzhou resident who’ll be flying from Hong Kong to Malaysia with her family said it was easy to book online and that the paperwork wasn't complicated.

“I think it’s much more convenient than taking the high-speed rail. We don’t need to carry a lot of luggage and wander around,” she said.

“We saved a lot of time. It only took us 45 minutes to drive from Hengqin Port to here.”

The second phase of the scheme will start on December 23, when as many as 100 Guangdong vehicles will be allowed access to Hong Kong's urban areas each day for up to a three-day stay.