Contactless channel opens at Sha Tau Kok checkpoint

Chief Secretary Eric Chan on Monday said a new contactless channel at the Chung Ying Street checkpoint in Sha Tau Kok makes it easier for people to access the area and demonstrates Hong Kong's innovative technology. Facial recognition technology allows people with valid Closed Area Permits to enter and exit Chung Ying Street without stopping to show their passes. Speaking at an opening ceremony, Chan said he believes the revamped checkpoint also offers a photo opportunity for visitors. "Through this pilot scheme, we hope to replace manual checks with innovative technology – making checkpoint access easier for people, increasing passenger capacity, and showcasing Hong Kong's digital capabilities as an international hub," he said. "The reprovisioned checkpoint also provides tourists with a new photo spot." Richard, an Ap Chau resident who buy groceries in Chung Ying Street every week, said the technology makes his life easier. "I think it's instant. I'm very impressed. Very advanced progress," he said. The HK$50 million checkpoint features nostalgic elements including grey bricks, white pillars and wooden benches inspired by old railway stations. Edward Wong, a project director from the Architectural Services Department, said he hopes the building will attract tourists. "We have to get the memory of the old station that we have in the Sha Tau Kok spur line and also we get the memory of the old station," he said. "We have some characteristics, for example rusty rail lines, so we are creating some rusty walls here. So we have to show that we can have some hotspots for the tourists to take photos here."