The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:
The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed today (December 15) on the Government's plan to implement a
free-flow tolling system (FFTS) at government tolled tunnels and the Tsing Sha Control Area (TSCA) as well as the commissioning arrangement of the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL) Northern Connection.
The FFTS is a technology-based solution which enables motorists driving through tolled tunnels to pay tolls remotely through toll tags without the need to stop or slow down at a toll booth, thereby bringing convenience to motorists and potentially freeing up toll plazas for other transport-related purposes. To provide the requisite legal backing for implementing the FFTS at government tolled tunnels and the TSCA, the Government will introduce a bill into the Legislative Council in 2021. The FFTS is expected to roll out by phases within around two to three years following the passage of the bill.
The TAC Chairman, Professor Stephen Cheung, said, "Members welcome the proposed implementation of the FFTS at government tolled tunnels and the TSCA, which is an important milestone of building Hong Kong into a smart city. Members also note that a public engagement exercise has just been launched to enhance public awareness and understanding of toll tags and the FFTS."
In addition, Members were briefed by the Government on the commissioning arrangement of the TM-CLKL Northern Connection, which will be open to traffic on December 27, 2020. The TM-CLKL, comprising the Northern Connection and the Southern Connection which was commissioned in October 2018, connects the Northwest New Territories (NWNT), Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), North Lantau and Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), offering a more direct route of much shorter driving distance between NWNT and Lantau. It also provides an alternative road access between HKIA and the urban area in addition to the Lantau Link, thus increasing the accessibility and reliability of regional road networks connecting HKIA and HZMB.
"Members look forward to the commissioning of the TM-CLKL Northern Connection which offers a more direct route between NWNT and Lantau, thereby reducing the traffic load on the North Lantau Highway, Lantau Link and Tuen Mun Road. Members also welcome that the tolls of the Lantau Link will be waived when the TM-CLKL Northern Connection is open to traffic, which helps reduce the transportation cost of the general public, public transport operators and transport trades," Professor Cheung said.
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