Secretary for Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says new concessions offered by the Eastern Harbour Crossing will help encourage road users to use the tunnel and ease the traffic at the Cross-Harbour Tunnel.

The Eastern Harbour Crossing today offered temporary toll concessions to taxis, goods vehicles and non-franchised single-deck buses. Dr Liao said the Government is working to secure more concessions from the tunnel operator.

Bag tax

On taxes for plastic shopping bags, the secretary said there is no timetable for the issue and the Government is examining Taipei's experience.

"We have looked at Taipei, and the legislation that they have against giving out plastic bags. Every plastic bag you use has to be purchased. And that has been having a very good deterrent effect over wastage. But it has to take some time before we can develop the actual method of how to do it. It's either by administrative means or by legislative means. But first of all we have to consult the public and see whether it will be accepted."