The Transport Department (TD) announced today (July 18) that to provide greater convenience to HKeToll users, the TD will simplify the automatic payment of tolls by credit card and implement related notification arrangements with effect from July 22 this year. Users are also encouraged to use automatic top-up services for payment.
      
     The TD continuously reviews the HKeToll service and introduces improvement measures to provide a better user experience.  In respect of users using a credit card auto-payment, the HKeToll will adopt new arrangements to consolidate all tolls payable on the same day for handling. If a user has more than one toll transaction on the same day, settlement of toll payments will be streamlined from once per transaction to once per day, in which the total fee will be collected from the relevant user in one go on the following day. Under the streamlined arrangements, the relevant user will receive a notification on the HKeToll mobile application stating that the toll transaction is being processed after using government-tolled tunnels each time. The system will then send a notification on the following day to confirm whether the total fee has been paid successfully. The new arrangements can reduce the number of payment transactions, and users can continue to check their detailed records of using government-tolled tunnels on the HKeToll website or mobile application.
      
     The HKeToll system will select the arrangement of consolidating all tolls payable on a day into a single charge for users using credit card auto-payment by default, while providing flexible options. Users can log onto their accounts on the HKeToll website or mobile application to customise their payment and notification preferences according to their individual needs. The existing arrangements for users who currently use bank transfers and designated stored value accounts for auto-payments will remain unchanged.
      
     In addition, a promotional campaign will be launched from July 22 to September 21, in collaboration with the toll service provider and the settlement bank, to encourage users to register for designated stored value accounts of the HKeToll and set up automatic top-up services. This will allow users to manage their HKeToll accounts and pay tunnel fees more easily. The toll service provider will announce the details of the promotional campaign later.
      
     For any enquiries regarding the above arrangements and the promotional campaign, members of the public may visit the HKeToll website (hketoll.gov.hk) or mobile application, or call the hotline 3853 7333.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 18) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beaches.

     As the rainstorm warning has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and contractors that they should adopt necessary work arrangements and take suitable safety measures to protect the safety of their employees when they are carrying out electrical work or handling electrical plant.

     A spokesman for the LD said today (July 18) that employers and contractors should avoid assigning employees to carry out electrical work (like electric arc welding work) or handle electrical plant at places affected by rainstorms, and should refer to the "Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and 'Extreme Conditions'" and the "Guide on Safety at Work in times of Inclement Weather" issued by the LD.

     Even if electrical work is carried out or electrical plant is handled at places not affected by the rainstorm, suitable safety measures must still be adopted to prevent electric shock as the air would be more humid. Such measures include:

(i) Ensure that all live parts of an electrical installation are isolated from the power supply source and rendered dead, and the isolation from the power supply source must be maintained as long as electrical work is being carried out;

(ii) Before carrying out any electrical work or handling any electrical plant, cut off and lock out the power supply source, then test the circuit concerned to confirm it is dead and display suitable warning notices, and issue a work permit thereafter;

(iii) Ensure that protective devices (such as suitable and adequate fuses and circuit breakers) for the electrical installations or electrical plant have been installed and maintained in good working order, and portable electric tools must be double-insulated or properly earthed;

(iv) Provide suitable personal protective equipment such as insulating gloves and insulating mats for employees; and

(v) If live electrical work is unavoidable, a comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person and the appropriate safety precautions should be taken to remove or properly control the electrical hazards involved before such work can proceed.

     In addition, employees should co-operate with the employer or contractor to follow the safety instructions and use the safety equipment provided.

     The LD has published guidebooks and leaflets on electrical work safety. These safety publications are available free from divisional offices of the department or can be downloaded from its website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8.htm).

     Should there be any questions about occupational safety and health matters, please contact the Occupational Safety Officer of the LD at 2559 2297.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     Members of the public are advised to report any street flooding that comes to their notice to the Drainage Services Department by calling the 24-hour drainage hotline on 2300 1110.

     â€‹Supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY), Hong Kong films took centre stage at the 23rd New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) with an impressive line-up of 11 films across various genres under the "Hong Kong Panorama" film series, including two world premieres and four North American premieres.
      
     Among others, the multitalented Hong Kong entertainer Nicholas Tse was presented with the prestigious Star Asia Award on July 17 (New York time) for his dedication and breakthrough performances over the years.
      
     The HKETONY hosted a special reception for Tse before the award presentation ceremony and the North American premiere of his latest work "Customs Frontline", which marks his debut as an action choreographer. He was cheered by a full house at the Walter Reade Theater of Film at Lincoln Center.
      
     Congratulating Tse, the Director of HKETONY, Ms Maisie Ho, said his outstanding performances in various roles have captivated audiences around the world and are testaments to the depth and versatility of Hong Kong's talent and films.
      
     "Building on our rich film legacy and tradition, our talented filmmakers continue to innovate and explore new genres, as they seek to transcend borders with their visionary approach and versatile performances that exemplify a unique blend of artistry, innovation, and unparalleled cinematic experience," Ms Ho said.
      
     She added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government continues to support the development of Hong Kong's film industry through various initiatives, including enhancing local film production, nurturing talent, expanding markets and audiences globally.
      
     This year's "Hong Kong Panorama" is showcasing three films that have received such support. "Fly Me to the Moon" and "Love Lies" are winners of the Hong Kong Film Development Council's 6th First Feature Film Initiative, while "Inexternal" received support under the Film Production Financing Scheme.
      
     Earlier in the week, the NYAFF bestowed the Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award on veteran actor Tai Bo. An indispensable presence in Hong Kong cinema, Tai Bo's natural on-screen talent has earned him numerous awards. The New York audience had the chance to see his riveting performances in "All Shall Be Well" and "Twilight Kiss", along with "For Alice" at the festival.
      
     The NYAFF has also selected "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In", one of Hong Kong's most-watched films of all times, as its closing film of the season, to be shown on July 28. The film is a testament to Hong Kong's martial arts and action choreographic excellence. The screening will be the North American premiere of the film.
      
     Aside from Tse and Tai Bo, other filmmakers in attendance at the NYAFF include actor Philip Ng; actresses Patra Au, Josie Ho and Kuku So; directors Chow Kam-wing, Sasha Chuk, Ho Miu-ki, Ray Yeung; producer John Chong; and screenwriter Lam Tsz-ki.