The new Budget proposes to study the imposition of a boundary facilities charge on private cars leaving Hong Kong at land boundary control points. The Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, said in a television program today (Feb. 2) that the plan is still at the conceptual stage and public views are welcome.
As to whether a departure tax would be levied on travelers leaving Hong Kong on high-speed rail, Chan made it clear that the authorities would not consider it.
Chan pointed out that Hong Kong people had different means of transportation to go to Guangdong, among which private cars only accounted for about 15%. As these people were financially better off, the impact of levying the tax would be relatively mild. He added that the government has invested a lot in the construction of boundary facilities, and maintenance costs are needed.
Chan emphasized that the Budget has proposed a number of measures to increase revenue and reduce expenditure, taking into account three principles, including not affecting relative competitiveness, "those who can afford to pay more" and "user pays", as well as minimizing the impact on the general public.
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