+
(b)
(c)
(d)
3
the tolls for light goods vehicles, medium goods vehicles and heavy goods vehicles are lower than those for the Western Harbour Crossing. This would be welcomed by the freight transport industry;
a class of "articulated vehicle" at $80 is introduced to replace the class with tolls collected on the basis of number of axles, which by comparison would result in tolls ranging from $120 to $180 for a container vehicle. This rate plus the avoidance of arguments due to different number of axles on entering and leaving the Lantau Link should also be welcomed by the freight transport industry; and
there are public transport services for those who do not use private cars and taxis. They include airbuses, ordinary bus services, railway and ferry.
One-way toll collection will be adopted for the Lantau Link. Drivers using the Lantau Link will be required to pay double the amount of the appropriate toll when leaving Lantau, but nothing on entering. This arrangement would make it more convenient for motorists. It would also improve traffic flow in the airport bound direction and result in manpower savings.
The TAC also recommended that taxi passengers using the Lantau Link should pay an additional fare of $60, i.e. two times the toll for taxis as specified in the schedule, irrespective of the direction of travel. Members agreed that the proposed additional fare should be widely publicised so as to avoid misunderstanding and disputes between taxi drivers and passengers, especially visitors, arising from the one- way toll collection system.
The Tsing Ma Control Area is scheduled for opening on 21 May 1997.
End