The Government today welcomed the passage of the Road Tunnels (Government) (Amendment) Bill 2024 by the Legislative Council.

The bill lays the foundation for the Government’s takeover of Tai Lam Tunnel (TLT) and the implementation of new tolls at a suitably reduced level starting May 31, it explained.

Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan said: “The new tolls, which are devised based on scientific and traffic data, will enable the flow of people and freight between the Northwest New Territories and the urban area. The new tolls are a comprehensive proposal that takes into account both public opinion and holistic policy considerations.”

Under a time-varying toll, private cars will be charged between $18 and $45, while motorcycles will pay between $7.2 and $18.

The toll for taxis will be at an all-day fixed rate of $28. Other commercial vehicles including goods vehicles and buses will be charged an all-day fixed toll of $43.

The Government noted that the reduced tolls can ensure that the TLT remains smooth and its spare capacity is utilised to alleviate heavy traffic on Tuen Mun Road and Tolo Highway, while also ensuring smooth public transport services through the tunnel, thereby enabling the public’s commute.

The updated toll scheme also adheres to the principles of “user-pay” and “cost-recovery”, while embodying the principle of “efficiency first” to attract commercial vehicles, it added.