Hong Kong transport authorities reject call to make Tai Lam Tunnel toll-free
- Officials say they need to adhere to government’s ‘users pay’ principle and collect revenue for future infrastructure projects
Hong Kong transport authorities have rejected lawmakers’ calls to make the Tai Lam Tunnel in the New Territories toll-free for motorists, citing the need to adhere to the government’s “users pay” principle and collect revenue for future infrastructure projects.
Undersecretary for Transport Liu Chun-san said on Friday that the lower tolls the government intended to introduce when it took over the tunnel next May would help alleviate congestion elsewhere.
“The government has reservations about making the tunnel free and believes it is undesirable from the perspective of traffic management and public finance,” he told a meeting of the legislature’s transport panel.
“Charging a reasonable fee can control the traffic flow, alleviating congestion on Tuen Mun Road and Tolo Highway, while keeping traffic at the Tai Lam Tunnel smooth.”
Liu added the tunnel’s operation required a large amount of resources and toll revenue would help the government invest in transport infrastructure in the long run.
The Transport Department has proposed three fee mechanisms, including two simple fixed tolls proposals, and a third option that would see fares change throughout the day.