Hong Kong has taken another step towards autonomous transport, with driverless vehicle trials set to begin on Airport Island after the Transport Department expanded its pilot programme in North Lantau.

The move follows several months of successful testing, during which autonomous vehicles were monitored by both in-vehicle safety operators and a remote control centre. After reviewing test results and conducting site inspections, the department said the vehicles had demonstrated safe and stable performance, with no abnormalities reported. The latest phase will see vehicles operating without an onboard backup operator on Airport Island, while trials in Tung Chung and Sunny Bay will introduce remote backup operators alongside those in the vehicle.

Transport Commissioner Winnie Tse said the milestone marks Hong Kong's first fully driverless autonomous vehicle trial and brings the city closer to large-scale, commercial deployment of the technology.

The department has also introduced new labels to help motorists and pedestrians identify vehicles taking part in driverless tests. It continues to welcome applications from organisations interested in conducting autonomous vehicle trials in Hong Kong.