The Transport Department on Thursday said it had received about 700 applications under the Southbound Travel Scheme, which allows Guangdong cars to enter Hong Kong's urban areas from next Tuesday.

A government spokesman said vehicle and road safety are top priorities, adding that all cars entering Hong Kong must first pass inspections on the mainland, activate the HKeToll system, and fit Hong Kong licence plates starting with "FT".

Under the scheme, up to 100 vehicles will be permitted to enter via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge each day and stay for up to three days.

The department said it has produced short videos for Guangdong drivers explaining Hong Kong’s traffic rules and road signs.

It has also launched a new function on its app to help them locate car parks with charging facilities.

Businessman Mr Lo from Guangzhou is among the successful applicants.

He is planning a day trip, driving from Guangzhou to Tsim Sha Tsui on Tuesday.

"I plan to visit a few tourist spots and take some photos, then head over to Harbour City to do some shopping and check out a few famous boutiques. I plan to spend around HK$10,000," he said.

"I’m also considering going to some places a bit farther away, places that were hard to get to before, but now I can drive there – like Barker Road area on Victoria Peak."

The department said nearly 2,400 drivers in Guangdong registered for a draw run by mainland authorities.

The draw took place at the end of last month, and about 1,700 drivers were selected as eligible applicants for the scheme.

Chief Executive John Lee earlier stated the scheme would boost the flow of people and goods in the Greater Bay Area and create new opportunities for tourism and retail in Hong Kong.

The government said travellers under the scheme are expected to be high-spending individuals and families.