Lowering Western Harbour Tunnel tolls by 2019 ‘cannot be done’, Hong Kong transport expert says
Hung Wing-tat of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong says he doubts government is committed to new congestion-reduction plan
The Hong Kong government’s attempt to lower tolls at the Western Harbour Tunnel within the next two years is unlikely to succeed, a transport policy analyst said on Thursday, pouring cold water on a new plan to reduce traffic jams at key points in the city.
Hung Wing-tat of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong said officials were “just trying to manage public opinion”.
The Highways Department wants work on the Central-Wan Chai bypass completed by 2018-19. The bypass is expected to ease traffic on Hong Kong Island, and the government believes its completion would be the most appropriate time to adjust tolls.
On Monday, the authorities floated a proposal to raise charges for private cars, taxis and motorbikes at the heavily used Cross-Harbour Tunnel in Hung Hom and Lion Rock Tunnel in Kowloon but lower fees at others, including the Western Harbour Tunnel in Sai Ying Pun, through subsidies, under a plan to ease chronic congestion at six locations.
Tolls at Cross-Harbour and Lion Rock tunnels may increase to ease Hong Kong jams
“If we’re talking about a 2018-19 completion, which basically means the end of 2019, then 2023 will be just around the corner. What would be the point of doing it?” Hung said on a radio programme.