Electronic road tolls may be an option to relieve traffic jams in Central and Wan Chai, Deputy Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Thomas Chow says, adding the prerequisites are public acceptance and the Central-Wan Chai Bypass.
Speaking on radio talk shows today, Mr Chow said the traffic problem in these districts cannot be solved by management measures, such as electronic road pricing, alone.
He noted both London and Singapore implemented electronic road toll schemes only after bypasses were in place to give road users more choices. Both cities have effectively cut traffic flow in central business districts by 14% to 17% since the launch of electronic road pricing schemes.
Mr Chow said it would be unfair for drivers here if such a scheme is implemented in Central and Wan Chai without the bypass, adding the Government will explore the feasibility of such schemes.
When asked whether raising the Cross-Harbour Tunnel toll will help divert traffic to the Western and Eastern Harbour Tunnels and soothe traffic problems in the central business district, Mr Chow said the proposal is not feasible and will only make the problem more serious.
Reclaimed land for bypass, not for sale Deputy Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Thomas Tso reiterated there is an overriding public need for the Central-WanChai Bypass, and the reclamation would be kept to the minimum.
He stressed the reclaimed land would be used only for essential infrastructure and public facilities, adding it will not be put up for sale.
Turning to the Harbour-front Enhancement Review - Wan Chai & Adjoining Areas: Public Engagement Kit, published last month, Mr Tso said it aims to boost public participation in the process of enhancing the harbour-front.
As some illustrations contained in the kit had given rise to confusion, a revised kit will be issued to replace the original one as soon as possible, he added.
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