Gov't to roll out autonomous vehicles in 2 years

12 AVs begin resting in North Lantau and WKCD.

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) will be deployed in selected Hong Kong communities within the next one to two years, Transport & Logistics Secretary Mable Chan announced.

Since new regulations were introduced last year to allow wider AV trials on public roads, testing has accelerated, said Chan.

The Transport Department has issued two pilot licences for 12 AVs to be tested in North Lantau and the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD).

In North Lantau, the trial has expanded from one vehicle to 10 operating simultaneously.

Vehicles are now carrying passengers on specified routes, running on more complex roads, and testing at higher speeds up to 50 km/h.

The trial area is also expanding, with plans to include Tung Chung and Cyberport.

In WKCD, autonomous light buses following Hong Kong’s left-hand traffic rules are being tested.

Passenger trials will begin once the system is fully developed and safety is confirmed.

The government will use these trials to improve technical standards and promote safe AV development in Hong Kong.