The government has said that there are no arrangements for Hong Kong residents to choose to return to the city for treatment, if they are injured on the mainland side of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.
Civic Party lawmaker Kwok Ka-ki asked if Hong Kong residents could choose such an arrangement at a legislative panel on Friday.
“I believe many Hong Kong residents would choose to have treatment in Hong Kong if they encountered traffic accidents or urgent illness,” Kwok said.
Government Security Officer George Lee said there was no arrangement for residents to choose to go back to Hong Kong for treatment, unless it is a serious accident.
“Because of the principle of territorial jurisdiction, the injured will be taken by ambulances of the territory to hospitals of the territory,” Lee said.
“But if there is a serious accident, because of the principle of prioritising rescue, there is a chance that Hong Kong ambulances will cross the border to participate in the rescue,” he added. “The injured we take will be sent to Hong Kong hospitals.”
Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong lawmaker Holden Chow said he was concerned about traffic congestion on the bridge when accidents occur.
“We are worried that when the bridge is opened, the traffic to Lantau Island will exceed its limit,” he said.
In response, Undersecretary for Transport and Housing Raymond So said the government will study traffic control measures.
Lawmakers also urged the government to increase parking spaces at the Hong Kong border port.
So said the government will encourage residents to use public transport, and they can check availability of parking spaces and book them online.
