New Tai Lam tolls 'balance traffic needs'

Adelyn Lau

Assistant Commissioner of Transport Leung Sai-ho said tolls for Tai Lam Tunnel cannot be set too low because there is a need to ensure traffic flow is smooth.

Under a time-varying toll structure it is HK$45 for vehicles during peak hours, HK$30 during regular hours and HK$18 during off-peak hours from Monday to Saturday. The new tolls translate into reductions of 22 to 69 percent from the current HK$58 toll.

On Sundays and public holidays, cars will be charged a flat rate of HK$18, effective once the administration reclaims the tunnel operations on May 31, 2025.

Despite the reduced tolls, some Legislative Council members are pushing for even lower tolls.

Leung yesterday defended the toll strategy, saying the new rates benefit Tuen Mun Road and Tolo Highway drivers. He added that it gives drivers an incentive to use the tunnel, alleviating traffic on roads.

"This is a significant reduction of 22 percent compared to the existing toll of HK$58," he said.

"I can confidently say that HK$45 is the lowest toll we can set while maintaining a balance. This amount ensures the tunnel operates smoothly while still reflecting a substantial reduction in toll fees."

Leung warned that lowering the peak-hour toll too much could result in excessive traffic and congestion.

He stressed the importance of ensuring smooth traffic flows, especially since trucks account for 30 percent of throughput in the tunnel, which connects Tsuen Wan and Yuen Long.

Taxis and commercial vehicles will be subject to a flat all-day toll of HK$28 and HK$43, respectively.

Although the taxi industry finds the time-varying toll appealing, there are concerns about potential congestion.

Ng Kwan-shing, president of the Taxi Dealers and Owners Association, said the new toll is HK$30 lower, making it attractive.

He believes it could help divert traffic and ease congestion on the roads.

However, Ng is concerned that lowering the toll might encourage more commercial vehicles to use the tunnel, potentially causing congestion.