Drivers prepare for northbound trips under new scheme
The government said 130 Hong Kong drivers have successfully made bookings to drive north of the border on Saturday, when a new scheme allowing them to do so kicks off.  Officials started receiving applications in May under the "Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles" scheme, which allows approved private cars to travel to and from Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.  The Transport Department said on Friday that it's so far received around 4,400 applications to join the scheme, and approved about one tenth of them.  The department said from what it understands, common problems faced by applicants include not having all the documentation ready, and failing to pass inspection tests by mainland authorities. The Automobile Association noted that some applicants were unfamiliar with the mainland's rules and regulations.  "Some failed because their windscreen may be too thick, the radiators cannot read [an electronic driving license]," the association's CEO, Owen Chan, told RTHK. "And also, some failed because their car has two or three colours, and that doesn't match with their vehicle registration." Chan said the association had planned a parade involving some 200 vehicles to celebrate the SAR's Establishment Day, but cancelled it because only around 30 members received the green light in time. He said those who have permits will drive to Zhuhai individually to mark the occasion.