Transport Secretary Lam Sai-hung said the government is inclined to charge lower, 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. In documents submitted to the legislature, officials have outlined three different pricing scenarios, with the third suggesting different tolls for peak, regular and off-peak hours. Private car drivers would pay HK$45, HK$35 and HK$20 respectively. Taxi drivers would pay HK$30 at all times, while commercial vehicles would be charged HK$45. In an interview with RTHK on the second anniversary of the current administration, Lam said officials had spoken to lawmakers about the way forward. He said most of them supported the idea of charging time-varying tolls, which has been adopted for the three cross-harbour tunnels. "Since we have all experienced time-varying tolls with the three tunnels and have seen the results, everyone thought about doing the same with the Tai Lam Tunnel," he said. "So right now, the government is inclined to think that a time-varying toll is also a feasible option for Tai Lam." The minister said a final decision on tolls would be made by the end of the year.
