Govt shelves border construction fee on departing private cars

The proposal to charge a border construction fee on private cars leaving via land checkpoints has been dropped after public opposition.

At today’s Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Financial Affairs, legislator Nicholas Chan Hiu-fung asked about the review outcome. 

Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu said the government carefully considered diverse views and decided not to proceed at this stage.

The 2025 Budget suggested studying a fee—estimated at HK$200 per car—to generate about HK$1 billion annually from departing private cars at land border control points. Buses and goods vehicles would be exempt.

The idea faced strong backlash over cost, impact on cross-boundary travel for residents and businesses, and potential harm to integration with national development. 

The government had described it as still under study with no final decision.