Thousands of people have signed an online petition against such a move, many citing safety concerns, and expressing fears that the roads will become even more congested.

But at a Legislative Council panel meeting, the Under-secretary for Transport, Yau Shing-mu, said a new scheme starting next month would apply only to Hong Kong drivers crossing into the mainland for sightseeing and leisure purposes.

He said experts were examining outstanding issues in allowing mainland drivers access to Hong Kong, so this would not happen in the near future.