Transport Department issues pilot licence for autonomous vehicles to approve trial in Southern District
The Transport Department (TD) announced today (August 14) that a pilot licence for autonomous vehicles (AVs) has been issued in accordance with section 4(1) of the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation (Cap. 374AA) to approve routes for AV trial in Southern District.
The applicant has been approved to conduct trials for 10 AVs in Cyberport. In the first phase, two autonomous private cars will operate in each road test at a specified time on specified road sections within the Cyberport campus, including Information Crescent and Cyberport Road (near The Arcade of Cyberport), passing by Cyberport 1, Cyberport 2 and Cyberport 3.
A spokesman for the TD said that the applicant commenced AV road tests in North Lantau from December 2024 and conducted small-scale passenger-carrying trials on Airport Island from end-April 2025. The scale of road tests without passengers has also been expanded from a single route to more open roads with more complex traffic scenarios. The project has largely been smooth to date, and the performance of AVs has remained stable. The TD also approved the applicant in mid-June to conduct road tests in Tung Chung. This additional pilot licence provides parallel trials running in different small communities so that useful trial data can be collected.
The TD's label for AV shall be displayed on all AVs for identification by other road users. Details of the pilot licence have been uploaded to the TD's website on AV trials.
The TD welcomes interested organisations or enterprises to submit applications for a pilot licence and act in concert to promote the further development of autonomous driving in Hong Kong. Upon receipt of an application, the TD will consider various factors, including the design operating range and functions of the autonomous system, relevant international or national standards/guidelines, and the road test situations, based on the Code of Practice for Trial and Pilot Use of Autonomous Vehicles before approval. The TD will exercise stringent control with a view to promoting AV trials and development in Hong Kong in a safe and orderly manner.
Source: AI-found images
ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft
The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:
Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.
"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."
Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.
Source: AI-found images
