The Hong Kong Transport Department (TD) has issued the first pilot license for autonomous vehicle testing (AV) to Baidu for its Apollo autonomous solution. This allows Baidu to trial 10 autonomous vehicles in North Lantau.
In the first phrase, only one autonomous car will operate in each road test at a specified time and on specified road sections between Hong Kong International Airport Car Park 4 and Chek Lap Kok South Road. During these trials, there will be an onboard driver who will be able to take over control of the vehicle if necessary.
A spokesman for the Transport Department said that it considers various factors including the design operating range and functions of the autonomous system submitted by the applicant. The TD will oversee the pilot with a view to promoting further AV trials in Hong Kong in a safe and orderly manner.
To facilitate wider trials and the application of autonomous vehicles in Hong Kong, new legislation and a regulatory regime for AVs came into operation on March 1, 2024, providing a flexible framework for autonomous vehicle trials and development. The TD has said that it encourages interested organizations to submit applications for AV trials and to work in concert to promote the further development of AVs in Hong Kong
A spokesperson from Baidu’s autonomous platform, Apollo said, “As a leading finance and innovation hub in Asia, Hong Kong is committed to building a leading tech innovation ecosystem. Not only is this the first pilot license for autonomous vehicles granted in Hong Kong, but it is also the first right-hand drive autonomous driving test license obtained by Apollo Go. This marks an important milestone in our journey towards globalization.”