Govt proposes time-varying tolls for Tai Lam Tunnel: source

The government is considering implementing time-varying tolls for the Tai Lam Tunnel when it takes over the tunnel in the New Territories in May next year.

Currently, private car and taxi drivers pay HK$58, while commercial vehicle drivers pay between HK$64 and HK$79.

According to sources, the government is mulling different tolls for peak, regular and off-peak hours. Private car drivers would pay HK$45, HK$30 and HK$18 respectively.

Taxi drivers would pay HK$28 at all times, while commercial vehicles would be charged HK$43.

As for motorcyclists, the tolls for peak, regular and off-peak hours would be HK$18, HK$12, and HK$7.2 respectively.

Meanwhile, sources said authoriites have tend not to introduce a toll-free period due to costs on maintenance and daily operational expenses.

It was also reported that authorities are concerned that setting a precedent for a toll-free period would affect toll arrangements of other tunnels.