- 59
Autotoll lanes
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Conrad Lam Kui-shing and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport, Mr Haider Barma, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Regarding the provision of a toll lane for the exclusive use of motorists using the automatic toll collection system in the Cross Harbour Tunnel at Hung Hom, will the Government inform this Council:
Reply:
(a)
(b)
Mr President,
(a)
(b)
•
whether the operation of such a system has helped to relieve traffic congestion in the Tunnel; if so, what the effects are; if not, why this system is still being used; and
whether it is aware that the reduction in toll lanes as a result of the introduction of this system has led to congestion in the normal toll lanes, thus causing inconvenience to motorists not using the automatic toll collection system; if so, whether it will request the tunnel company concerned to take remedial measures?
The automatic toll collection system installed at the Cross Harbour Tunnel was never intended to relieve traffic congestion. The congestion problem in this location is primarily due to the fact that the tunnel itself is operating far beyond its design capacity. The tunnel company introduced autotoll so as to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of toll collection, and to provide greater convenience for users of the facility.
Transport Department has received no complaints from the public in recent months about the autotoll system. The department monitors the operation of the tunnel and has advised that the introduction of autotoll has not led to increased congestion in the normal toll lanes. Before the company is allowed to open any additional autotoll lanes in response to increasing demand, a careful assessment is made to ensure that there will be no adverse effect on the overall traffic flow and in particular on those who continue to use the normal toll lanes.
End/Wednesday, March 29, 1995