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The spokesman said the toll levels had regard to the 'user-pays' principle, the rationale for differential tolls, public acceptability and affordability, and return on investment.

"The views expressed by various quarters including the Legislative Council have also been taken into account. Compared with the tolls for other tunnels in Hong Kong, those for the Lantau Link are reasonable and affordable," he added.

The Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulation provides that taxi passengers using the Lantau Link will be required to pay an additional fare of $30, i.e., twice the single toll for taxis, irrespective of the direction of travel.

"This additional fare will reimburse the taxi driver for the toll charge paid by him in the event he fails to obtain a hire for the return trip," the spokesman said.

"With the one-way toll collection system, a taxi passenger going to the new Airport will be required to pay an additional fare of $30, even though the taxi driver does not have to pay a toll charge in that direction.

"The additional fare will be widely publicised in information materials for visitors, at major taxi stands and inside taxis so as to avoid misunderstanding between, taxi drivers and passengers."

M

The two Regulations will come into operation on May 22 this year when the TMCA is open to traffic.

End

Preliminary findings of Hong Kong Property Review 1997

The Rating and Valuation Department today (Friday) release the preliminary findings of its annual review of the production and activities in the local property market.

The preliminary findings, to be incorporated in the Hong Kong Property Review 1997, cover the major private property categories, in terms of completions, take-up and vacancy in 1996, forecast completions in 1997 and 1998, as well as price and rental data.