(Yicai Global) July 4 -- Some 450,000 Hong Kong vehicle owners are expected to make use of a new policy and drive to southern China's Guangdong province.

The fresh policy of northbound travel via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is essential for the integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and has been well-received since its launch, Lam Sai-hung, secretary for Transport and Logistics, said during the launch ceremony on July 1.

The transport bureau has received over 4,000 applications from non-commercial vehicle owners to gain a permit to drive to the mainland, and the Hong Kong government will focus on increasing the quota, the official added. Eligible applicants are Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above with a self-owned car and a mainland travel permit. Permit holders can stay in Guangdong for up to 30 days at a time.

Early this year, the bridge started accommodating residents of Macao traveling to the mainland. The number of people driving from the special administrative region to the mainland has risen to exceed 100,000 trips in May from around 7,800 visits in January.

Editors: Lv Yining, Emmi Laine