More Autopass lanes later
I REFER to Mr Brian Reid's letter ''The chaos of Autopass'' (South China Morning Post, October 11).
I accept the present Autopass lane layout, which provides one lane in each direction located at the extreme left-hand side of each approach, is not ideal.
However, this has to be taken in the context of introducing automatic toll collection into a tunnel with very little spare capacity and the need to cater for franchised, and other buses, who are major users of the system.
This problem does not exist at the Aberdeen Tunnel where there is significant spare capacity and where four Autopass lanes are operating very effectively.
As I have stated before it is our intention to provide additional lanes at the Cross Harbour Tunnel as soon as demand justifies this, but we have to be careful not to open these lanes prematurely which would result in long queues for both Autopass users and those of our customers who prefer to pay tolls by cash.
The road markings northbound which were put in place recently, and subsequently erased, were in anticipation of opening one additional lane northbound.
However, a last-minute review indicated we were perhaps in a marginal situation and it was decided to delay the introduction of this lane temporarily.
Having said that Autopass is working, is growing and we shall open additional lanes to provide greater convenience to Autopass users while not inconveniencing our customers who prefer to pay their toll manually.
K.R. ANDREWS General Manager Autopass Co Ltd
