After the Mainland's Golden Week holiday, local traffic will resume normal starting on Monday and tunnel traffic is expected to be busier, Deputy Secretary for Environment, Transport & Works Annie Choi says.

She appeals to commuters to stay alert to the traffic situation.

During a radio talk show this morning, Ms Choi said in the past few working days after the Eastern Harbour Tunnel's toll hike, commuters' cooperation in starting journey earlier and making better use of public transport has contributed to a smoother-than-expected traffic situation.

But she warned the traffic pattern has yet to stabilise and a surge in the number of goods vehicles using the Cross Harbour Tunnel after the Golden Week holiday is forecast for next week.

Contract must be respected

Ms Choi said Transport Department will remain vigilant in monitoring the traffic situation and closely liaise with bus and railway companies to offer additional services to ease the passenger flow.

Ms Choi said the Government must respect the Eastern Harbour Tunnel operator's contract, which stipulated the operator can seek arbitration after a toll hike application has been turned down.

She added the three tunnels were built over three decades - the '70s, '80s and '90s - and it is natural for contract terms to be different to cater to the specific investment environment at that time.

Public views diverse

Turning to the 12 proposals on tackling the uneven distribution of traffic flow among the three tunnels, Ms Choi said initial public responses are diverse.

She said the public must support any toll adjustment-related proposals. On the option of common ownership a consensus must first be reached between the Government, operator and the public on future toll adjustment mechanisms.

Ms Choi said any decision will not be made in haste, stressing the Government will continue the negotiations with tunnel franchisees to tackle the problem while upholding public interests as the Cross Harbour Tunnel is a valuable public asset.