Embracing autonomous vehicles can revolutionise Hong Kong transport
Beijing and
San Francisco are pushing the boundaries of driverless technology. Although Hong Kong was a late starter in AV testing, it has made significant strides since the enactment of the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation and its associated Code of Practice in 2024.
These
regulations have enabled the Transport Department to swiftly approve testing applications. Baidu's
Apollo Go secured a pilot licence last year and most recently
expanded its trials to Tung Chung.
This lays a foundation for Hong Kong to encourage the industry to transform testing data into standardised, exportable products, enhance market influence, upgrade the traditional automotive sector and position itself as a global leader in AV data transfer technology research and development.
AV technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace. Mainland China is leading the way, with some projections suggesting its AV market could reach about US$170.6 billion by 2033. Apollo Go, for example, has made significant progress in major cities such as Beijing, where around 3,000 sq km is scheduled to be open for testing, and
Wuhan , where nearly 500 of its driverless vehicles operate.
Against such progress, Hong Kong's historically cautious approach could result in it missing out on the economic and technological benefits of AVs. The new legislation will enable Hong Kong to address future smart city needs proactively.
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