Hong Kong will introduce electronic driving licences in mid-September following the passage of a bill by the legislature, but lawmakers have questioned the need to spend HK$12.5 million (US$1.59 million) to fund a related mobile application.

Some legislators also urged authorities to take a flexible approach to enforcement, especially in cases in which drivers had trouble displaying their documents on smartphones, thereby giving them time to adapt to the new system.

The legislative amendment, passed by lawmakers on Thursday, allows authorities to implement an electronic licence system in which motorists can display or access their documents through a new smartphone application. Motorists will still be able to use their existing paper licences.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said that the new measure would come into effect in mid-September.

“With the tight timing, the Transport Department will conduct extensive promotion to the public, especially for driving licence holders,” she said.

While most lawmakers supported the measure, many questioned the need for another mobile application to display licences, pointing to the government’s numerous existing transport-related apps.