In the 2018 Policy Address, the three-tunnel diversion scheme was proposed, but it was stillborn.
The Transport and Housing Bureau submitted a document to the Legislative Council today (10th) to reiterate the diversion of the three tunnels. It pointed out that during peak hours on weekdays, the three cross-harbour tunnels were severely congested and proposed the implementation of a "congestion levy", which mentioned three levies. According to the principle of charge, including different charges at different time periods, the charges during peak hours will be more expensive; during non-peak hours, the charges will be cheaper.
It is also mentioned in the document that if the tolls of the tunnels at the same time period are adjusted to a similar or even the same level, drivers can be encouraged to choose the most direct tunnels instead of detours due to price issues.
The document also emphasizes that the traffic growth is mainly due to private cars. Therefore, the focus of the levy is to control private cars crossing the harbour tunnel. The toll level is determined according to the passenger-carrying efficiency of various types of vehicles and the economic benefits to the society.
The document goes on to point out that if the "congestion levy" is not implemented when the WHT is recovered in 2023 and the existing toll is maintained, the problem of congestion across the harbour will only worsen.
The target is to implement the "congestion levy" after the recovery of the WHT next year, and the peak hours are more expensive
The franchise of the WHC will expire on August 1, 2023, after which the WHC will become a government tunnel, and the government will be responsible for operating and determining the toll level.
In 2018, the government proposed "three tunnels to divert traffic" to ease the congestion problem by adjusting the tolls of the tunnels. However, in the proposal at that time, the toll of the CHT was greatly increased, which attracted criticism from all walks of life. In the end, the government shelved the plan and waited for the recovery of the west tunnel. The tunnel franchise is re-planning.
According to the document submitted by the Transport and Housing Bureau to the Legislative Council, it is proposed to implement a "congestion levy" after taking over the WHT, and also adjust the tolls of the three cross-harbour tunnels to alleviate the congestion problem.
The document mentions that the "congestion levy" aims to change the travel habits of drivers by imposing higher tolls during peak traffic hours and targeting inefficient vehicles.
One day is divided into three charging periods
The document mentions the third principle of levy. The first is to charge different fees at different times. The initial idea is to divide weekdays into three charging periods, including peak hours, general hours, and non-peak hours. .
"Normal tolls" will be charged during normal hours. During peak hours in the morning or evening, the normal charges will be charged to spread the traffic volume during peak hours. During non-peak hours, according to traffic conditions, "non-peak charges" will be charged, which are lower than the "normal charges". Busy tolls” to benefit those who use the Cross-Harbour Tunnel during this period.
Levy Principles for Different Fees at Different Times (Legislative Council Paper)
If flat rates can encourage motorists to reduce detours
The second principle is the desire to reduce detours.
The document states that the toll hopes to enable drivers to avoid travelling during peak hours, or to use public transport instead, so as to relieve congestion during peak hours and reduce the impact of tunnel traffic on non-harbour and surrounding roads.
In addition, if the tolls of the tunnels at the same time period are adjusted to a similar or even the same level, drivers can be encouraged to choose the most direct cross-harbour tunnel according to their itinerary and reduce the number of detours to use other tunnels.
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Pricing for private cars based on the principle of "efficiency first" has become a key focus
The third principle is to give priority to efficiency. The document states that the growth of cross-sea traffic mainly comes from private cars. Therefore, measures should focus on controlling the use of cross-sea tunnels by private cars and free up roads for other vehicles.
If the principle of "efficiency first" is adopted, the charging level should be determined according to the passenger-carrying efficiency of various types of vehicles and the economic benefits to the society.
Transport Department: Failure to implement "congestion levy" will make traffic congestion worse
According to the document, as the COVID-19 epidemic has affected the travel habits of citizens, the consultants of the Transport Department are now integrating the traffic survey data from the end of September to December 2021 and updating the relevant traffic models to assess the impact of different tunnel toll schemes on traffic.
The authorities stress that if the "congestion levy" is not implemented and the current tolls of various cross-harbour tunnels are maintained when the WHC is withdrawn, the congestion problem will only worsen, especially when the epidemic is over, the traffic demand will increase significantly and further aggravate The pressure of the sea tunnel.
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