On Aug 2, ownership of the Western Harbour Tunnel (WHT) reverted to the government. On the same day, the “633” toll plan was implemented, with the one-way toll for private cars using the WHT reduced from HK$75 ($9.56) to HK$60, and the Cross Harbour Tunnel (CHT) and Eastern Harbour Tunnel (EHT) tolls increased from HK$20 and HK$25 respectively to HK$30.

The “633” plan initially adopted a fixed-toll mode 24 hours a day. But since the toll payment systems of the WHT and EHT crossings were also switched to the HKeToll system this month, and drivers are now used to the automatic toll payment mode already implemented at other toll tunnels, it is expected that by the end of this year, more private cars and motorcycles will take advantage of the time-varying tolls, aimed at effectively diverting traffic to alleviate traffic congestion.

When the Legislative Council debated the relevant bill earlier, I opined that the bill was introduced at the right time for the following reasons:

First, following the expiry of the WHT franchise, all three cross-harbor tunnels are now under the management of the government; there is no need to provide public subsidies to the operator in exchange for a reduction in tolls at the WHT. Furthermore, when authorities determine the new tolls for the three tunnels in future, they no longer have to worry about whether they can recover the costs or make a profit. They can focus on relevant transportation and traffic management policies, and have more leeway to relieve traffic congestion.

Second, the government has gradually implemented the HKeToll system in all toll tunnels, making it unnecessary for vehicles to stop for toll payment, which reduces congestion at tunnel entrances. More importantly, it will enable the government to implement the time-varying toll plan, which discourages private car drivers from using the harbor crossings during peak hours, thereby (hopefully) reducing traffic congestion during peak hours.

In July, the CHT took the lead in switching to the HKeToll system, which initially resulted in a slight alleviation of traffic congestion in the area. Apart from a failure to detect the license plate and driver card at the same time on a small number of taxis, the toll system is generally operating smoothly and has been deemed a success. Most drivers have adapted to the new fare payment model within a short time, which proves the benefits of technology applications in traffic management.

It is necessary for the government to proactively solve the traffic congestion problem by taking a multipronged approach, including making good use of technology and increasing penalties for traffic violations

Third, since the overhaul of the electoral system, LegCo has been depoliticized and has returned to normality, allowing the bill on toll adjustments to be deliberated and passed swiftly. After the full implementation of the time-varying toll plan, the tolls for private cars at all three cross-harbor tunnels will be lower than their previous levels most of the time throughout the day.

Moreover, when discussing the toll charges at the three tunnels, many residents have overlooked the fact that while tunnel tolls are low, there are frequent traffic jams, making the crossing take longer, causing the consumption of more fuel, and forcing vehicles either to wait in long lines or take a detour. Such situations will no doubt generate additional carbon emissions and air pollution, which will have a negative impact on Hong Kong’s economy and public health.

There are also some who believe that, as Hong Kong’s economy has not improved significantly yet, the tolls should only be reduced, not increased. It’s therefore necessary for the government to explain to the public more clearly that the new toll plan is not only to achieve tunnel toll rationalization, but also to reduce the overall flow of vehicles crossing the harbor, especially private cars. It’s hoped that the new arrangements will encourage more people to take public transportation.

But to effectively alleviate the problem of cross-harbor traffic and overall traffic congestion, it is not possible to rely solely on adjusting tunnel tolls. Instead, more steps should be taken in order to gradually solve the traffic congestion problem.

The first step would be to improve traffic and road planning. The Transport Department, Highways Department, Planning Department, and other relevant departments need to strengthen interagency communication and coordination to deal with issues relating to urban planning, traffic management, and road construction in a comprehensive and well-coordinated manner.

Ever since I was elected a member of LegCo many years ago, I have repeatedly urged the government to study the feasibility of building a fourth cross-harbor tunnel. The government stated that a fourth cross-harbor tunnel is already under planning, referring to the proposed artificial island in the central waters from the west of the New Territories in the future, and then the cross-sea arterial road leading to the west of Hong Kong Island. The advantage with this plan is that the tunnel will directly connect the west of the New Territories and Hong Kong Island without the need to go through Kowloon, which will reduce the traffic flow and congestion at the three existing cross-harbor tunnels. However, although the plan has been discussed and studied for many years, there has been no sign of any significant progress.

In addition, it is necessary to make good use of the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands and the Northern Metropolis projects to alleviate the mismatch between employment and residence in the northern and southern areas of Hong Kong, and reduce the traffic flow caused by people commuting to and from work. The government plans to build a third core business district on the artificial islands and vigorously develop innovative technology industries in the Northern Metropolis. However, if the public-private housing ratio of 7-to-3 is to be maintained, the imbalance between jobs and housing in the north and south will definitely be exacerbated, leading to higher demand for cross-harbor tunnel services.

Last but not least, some roads in Hong Kong are often congested, not because there are too many cars on the road, but because too many cars are illegally parked on the roadsides, causing an obstruction. It is necessary for the government to proactively solve the traffic congestion problem by taking a multipronged approach, including making good use of technology and increasing penalties for traffic violations.

The author is a member of the Legislative Council (Architectural, Surveying, Planning and Landscape).

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.