One-stop inspection to boost cross-border travel: DAB
The DAB on Sunday called on the authorities to make life easier for travellers by setting up a one-stop inspection system which allows them to complete both SAR and mainland border-crossing requirements at the same time.  The party said it has proposed the idea to the Security Bureau and urged officials to discuss the matter with their mainland counterparts, noting that a similar arrangement is in place in Macau.  DAB chairwoman Starry Lee, who's also Hong Kong's sole member on the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said the proposal won't require major changes.  “No fundamental change, I would say, but just reduce the line-up time. Now we have to go to two separate customs and then line-up and do clearance twice. But if we can tackle all the technical issues, including the legal issue, then we can just put [SAR and mainland] customs together to save the queuing time,” she said. She said the changes could first be tested at newly renovated checkpoints, such as Huanggang Port, before being applied to other crossings. When asked about whether Hong Kong or mainland officials would be responsible for counter services, Lee said it's a "technical issue" and requires further discussion between the two sides. That's among 19 measures proposed by the DAB to boost cross-border travel. The party also suggested extending the opening hours of the Lok Ma Chau checkpoint until midnight, saying that would align with it with the Lo Wu crossing. Currently the Lok Ma Chau checkpoint closes at 10.30pm. The DAB also called for more border crossings for sea travellers.