Not so fast: Hong Kong delays new e-toll system aimed at speeding up commutes after backlash over ‘half-baked’ plan
- Transport Department pushes back launch to May 7 to allow more time for public to apply for vehicle tags and learn about scheme
- Legco transport panel member Chan Hok-fung says officials ‘underestimate the complexity of the issue for professional drivers’
Hong Kong authorities have pushed back the introduction of an electronic toll payment system designed to speed up commutes to May after drivers complained about little advance warning and an excess of red tape in applying for the scheme.
The Transport Department on Monday said the launch of HKeToll would take place on May 7, rather than February 26 as first planned. The department also said measures would be rolled out to help drivers apply for the services more easily.
“We hope to allow people more time to understand the procedures of applying for the vehicle tag and how to link the system to a driver’s account,” Commissioner for Transport Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said.
“We also hope those who have concerns will have more time to understand the operation of the scheme.”
The department announced on January 6 that the new e-toll system would be used on the Tsing Sha Highway connecting Tsing Yi and Sha Tin. It would be gradually implemented at all government tolled tunnels this year to replace the existing manual and automatic toll booths.