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29th November 2024 (Hong Kong) The Hong Kong Transport Department has announced the issuance of its first pilot licence for autonomous vehicles, allowing ten self-driving cars to commence testing in the vicinity of Lantau Island, including the airport area, starting 9th December.

Under the initial phase of the trial, only one autonomous vehicle will be permitted on public roads at any given time, with a backup operator on board to take control if necessary.

The approved applicant is Baidu Apollo International Limited, the autonomous driving platform of Baidu.

The testing will occur during specified hours, from 1am to 5am and 10am to 4pm, along designated routes connecting Hong Kong International Airport’s Number 4 Multi-Storey Carpark and Chek Lap Kok South Road, traversing thoroughfares such as Cheong Tat Road and Airport North Interchange.

The Transport Department stated that the approval process for the pilot licence involved a thorough review in accordance with the “Guidelines for Testing and Pilot Use of Autonomous Vehicles.” This review considered various factors, including the design and operational scope of the autonomous driving system, relevant international standards, and the conditions for road testing.

The department has committed to ensuring a safe and orderly rollout of autonomous vehicle trials in Hong Kong.

In addition to this initiative, the Hong Kong government launched a HK$1 billion Smart Traffic Fund in 2021 to support local organisations and businesses in innovative vehicle-related technology research and applications.

To date, twelve projects related to autonomous vehicles have been approved, covering public roads and diverse testing scenarios, including areas like the West Kowloon Cultural District and Hong Kong Science Park.

Furthermore, the Airport Authority has awarded contracts to develop autonomous vehicle technology and transportation systems, including plans for an “Airport City Link” that will enable passengers to travel between the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the SkyCity in just three minutes.