The Government has welcomed the Legislative Council's passage of the Road Tunnels (Government) (Amendment) Bill 2024 today (Feb. 20), paving the way for a smooth takeover of the Tai Lam Tunnel (TLT) and the introduction of new tolls at a suitably reduced level.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms. Mable Chan, emphasized the TLT's importance for the approximately 1 million residents in Yuen Long and North Districts who rely on the tunnel, as well as its significance for the transport and logistics sectors connected to land crossings, the airport, and cargo terminals. She stated, "The Bill aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for the public, with new tools designed based on scientific and traffic data to facilitate the movement of people and freight between the Northwest New Territories and urban areas."

The toll adjustments aim to achieve several policy objectives, including:

• Ensuring smooth traffic flow through the TLT and utilizing its spare capacity to reduce congestion on alternative routes such as Tuen Mun Road and Tolo Highway.
• Maintaining efficient public transport services through the tunnel to support commuting needs.
• Promoting the principle of "efficiency first" to encourage commercial vehicle usage, bolstering the logistics industry's development.
• Upholding the "user pay" and "cost-recovery" principles.

The Government plans to implement a time-varying toll system at the TLT, with substantial reductions across all vehicle types. The new tolls will be as follows:

• Private cars: HK$18 to HK$45
• Motorcycles (including motor tricycles): HK$7.2 to HK$18
• Taxis: a fixed rate of HK$28 all-day
• Other commercial vehicles, including goods vehicles and buses: a fixed rate of HK$43 for all-day

These new tolls will take effect on May 31, coinciding with the Government's takeover of the TLT. Additionally, the HKeToll system will be implemented, with further details to be announced by the Transport Department in due course.

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