Toll hikes postponed

Expect new tolls at the Western Harbour Crossing and Route 3.

According to a report, new tolls will be implemented at the Western Harbour Crossing and Route 3 (Country Park Section) on July 31 and August 1, but the tunnel companies will continue to offer concessions to maintain present toll levels.

The Transport & Housing Bureau said the new tolls were gazetted last July 26.

Tunnel franchisees can effect statutory toll increases under the law if the companies' actual net revenues fall short of minimum estimated net revenues specified in the law.

However, tunnel users will not be affected because the two tunnel companies will keep the actual tolls unchanged for all types of vehicles by offering concessions.

The tunnels' toll-adjustment mechanisms are specified in the Western Harbour Crossing Ordinance (Cap 436) and the Tai Lam Tunnel & Yuen Long Approach Road Ordinance (Cap 474).

The franchisees have notified the Government of the effective date on which they would like the new statutory toll levels to take effect.