LegCo Panel on Transport examines readiness of time-varying tolls implementation at road harbour crossings (with photos)

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport visited the Administration Building of Western Harbour Crossing (WHC) today (November 27) to get a better grasp on the readiness of time-varying tolls implementation at the three road harbour crossings (RHCs), as well as the cross-harbour traffic flow during morning peak hours on weekdays.

     Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner for Transport (Planning and Technical Services), Mr Patrick Ho, Members first received a briefing by representatives of the Transport Department on various arrangements under the time-varying tolls implementation, including the motorists' means in obtaining toll information, the newly installed toll information displays, as well as the technical readiness of time-varying tolls.

     Members learnt that the toll information displays have been installed at the three RHCs, namely the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, the Eastern Harbour Crossing and the WHC, enabling motorists to obtain real-time toll information of different vehicles. Members then inspected the toll information displays at the tunnel entrance of the WHC and observed the information demonstrated thereat.

     To alleviate traffic congestion during peak hours and change the commuting pattern of motorists, the Government has implemented one by one the HKeToll at the three RHCs since May this year while the two-phase implementation of the new charging scheme commenced thereafter. Phase one, the fixed toll plan, came into effect on August 2. During phase two, the time-varying tolls will be implemented at the three RHCs with effect from 5am on December 17 that the tolls for cross-harbour private cars and motorcycles will vary according to different time slots, while a fixed toll will be charged for taxis and other commercial vehicles respectively.

     Members who participated in the visit were the Panel Chairman, Mr Chan Han-pan, the Deputy Chairman of the Panel, Mr Chan Siu-hung, and Panel members Mr Tony Tse and Mr Yiu Pak-leung; as well as non-Panel members Mr Kwok Wai-keung, Mr Shang Hailong and Dr Ngan Man-yu.