Tunnel tolls and diversion of traffic among tunnels |
| Date | Context | Summary of development | Action | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14.5.97 | TP | The Panel discussed with the Administration on the outcome of the Eastern Harbour Crossing (EHC) toll increase arbitration. [Paper] | |||||
| 4/99 | SUBC | At the meeting held on 16.4.99, HC agreed to set up a subcommittee to scrutinize Public Revenue Protection (Revenue) Order 1999 (the Order). The Order was a temporary measure taken under the Public Revenue Protection Ordinance to give effect to most of the revenue proposals announced in the Budget Speech delivered by the Financial Secretary on 3.3.99 when moving the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill 1999. The revenue proposals included increasing the Lion Rock Tunnel (LRT) toll from $6 to $8, and increasing the Cross-Harbour Tunnel (CHT) tolls for private cars from $10 to $20 and for motorcycles from $4 to $8. HC also agreed that after the introduction of the Revenue Bill 1999 which gave long-term effect to the revenue proposals, the Subcommittee shall become the Bills Committee on Revenue Bill 1999. [Minutes] [Meeting schedule of the Subcommittee]
At the Council meeting held on 5.5.99, Hon Margaret NG (Chairman of the Subcommittee), Hon LEE Cheuk-yan, Hon Albert HO and the Secretary for the Treasury addressed the Council respectively on the Order. [Hansard] The Order came into effect on 1.4.99. Under the Order, the new tolls for LRT and CHT would apply from 1.4.99 and 1.9.99 respectively. | |||||
| 4/99 to 6/99 | BC | At the meeting held on HC agreed to set up a bills committee to scrutinize Revenue Bill 1999 which proposed a number of revenue concession and revenue raising proposals in the 1999-2000 Budget. Toll increase proposals for LRT and CHT were contained in clause 37(b) and 27(d) of the Bill respectively. The Bills Committee on Revenue Bill 1999 held seven meetings [Meeting schedule] and reported its deliberations to HC on 25.6.99 [Report] | |||||
| 8.7.99 | COU | The proposed toll increase for LRT under the Revenue Bill 1999 was passed by the Council. [Hansard relating to discussion on clause 37(b) "page 60"]
The Council negatived the amendments moved by Hon Andrew CHENG and Hon CHAN Kam-lam to the tolls increase for CHT proposed under the Revenue Bill 1999. The tolls increase for CHT originally proposed in the Bill was passed by the Council. [Hansard relating to discussion on clause 37(d) "page 61"] | |||||
| 17.11.99 | CQ | Hon LEE Wing-tat raised a question on the guiding policies and principles as well as the factors to be taken into considerations in deciding whether approval should be given to toll adjustments applications for vehicle tunnels. He was also concerned whether the Administration had assessed the impacts of toll increases on the traffic volumes of other tunnels. [Hansard "page 43"] | |||||
| 26.11.99 | TP | The Panel discussed with the Administration on the application for an increase in tolls by the Tate's Cairn Tunnel Company Limited (TCTC). [Paper] [Follow-up paper]
The majority of members present at the meeting objected to the agreement reached between the Administration and TCTC on the toll increases. The Administration was requested to take note of members' views and to review measures for relieving the financial burden of TCTC apart from simply reviewing its toll increase from time to time. [Minutes] | |||||
| 3/00 | TP | The Panel circulated an information note provided by the Administration on the toll increase of Route 3 (Country Park Section). [Paper] (no softcopy) | |||||
| 15.12.00 | TP | The Panel discussed with the Administration on the toll differential amongst different tunnels and the resulting traffic implications. [Paper] [Follow-up paper]
A motion moved by Hon Andrew CHENG urging the Administration to examine and formulate a long-term policy on tunnel utilization, and to propose new measures for resolving the congestion problem of tunnels as well as promoting the optimum use of tunnel resources was unanimously passed by members present at the meeting. The Administration was requested to conduct a study in response to the motion. [Minutes] | |||||
| 30.3.01 | TP | The Panel discussed with the Administration on the proposed toll increase for Route 3 (Country Park Section). [Paper] [Follow-up Paper]
At the meeting, some members put forward two suggestions for the Administration to consider -
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| 17.12.01 and 17.1.02 | TP | At the meetings when the Panel discussed with the Administration on Shenzhen Western Corridor, Deep Bay Link and Route 10 project, some members suggested that the Administration should consider setting up a Tunnels and Bridges Authority (TBA) to take over the ownership of all privately-owned bridges and tunnels, and formulate a preferred tolling strategy for all competing tolled facilities towards better balancing of demand and capacity among tolled and un-tolled roads/tunnels/bridges. [Minutes of meeting held on 17.12.01] [Minutes of meeting held on 17.1.02] | |||||
| 9.1.02 | CQ | Hon CHAN Yuen-han raised a question on traffic volumes of three cross-harbour road tunnels. [Hansard "page 77"] | |||||
| 22.2.02 | TP | The Panel discussed with the Administration on the policy on the provision and operation of tunnels and the Administration's comments on Members' suggestions made on various occasions. [Paper] [Supplementary information]
The Administration was requested to conduct a fundamental review of its policy on the provision and operation of tunnels. [Minutes] | |||||
| 10.4.02 | CQ | Hon Abraham SHEK raised a question on traffic congestion near the Cross Harbour Tunnel during busy hours. [Hansard "page 44"] | |||||
| 7/02 | TP | The Panel circulated an information paper on Western Harbour Crossing (WHC) Tolls provided by the Administration. The paper informed members of the new statutory toll levels of WHC with effect from 31.7.02. [Paper] | |||||
| 13.2.03 | TP | The Panel discussed with the Administration on the new concessionary toll levels of WHC and various traffic management measures implemented to enhance the accessibility of WHC. [Paper]
The Panel agreed that the Administration should be requested to speed up the related study and brief members in April 2003 on the findings of the study and various options to achieve traffic diversion among different road harbour crossings and tunnels, including whether it was possible to extending the franchises in exchange for lower tolls. [Minutes] | |||||
| 25.4.03 | TP | The Panel discussed with the Administration on the major findings of the consultancy study on the Mainland and overseas experiences in the provision and operation of tunnels and tollways and the implications for Hong Kong. [Paper] | |||||
| 27.6.03 | TP | The Panel discussed with the Administration on the application from the New Hong Kong Tunnel Company Limited to increase the tolls of EHC. [Paper] | |||||
| 25.6.04 | TP | The Panel discussed with the Administration on measures to improve the traffic conditions of Tuen Mun Road (TMR) and the Administration's efforts to enhance the traffic distribution between TMR and the Route 3, as well as that between the three road harbour crossings. [Paper] | |||||
| 2/04 | TP | The Panel circulated the following papers to members -
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| 7/04 | TP | The Administration provided the Panel with a paper on the new concessionary toll levels of WHC which took effect on 4.7.04. [Paper] | |||||
| 2.2.2005 | TP | The Panel discussed with the Administration on the Tate's Cairn Tunnel Company Limited's application for toll increase.[Paper][Paper]
A motion on the proposed adjustment of Tate's Cairn Tunnel tolls was moved and passed by the Panel. The terms of the motion are "In view of the gradually improving financial position of the Tate's Cairn Tunnel Company Limited, this Panel considers it inappropriate to increase the tunnel tolls at this stage." | |||||
| 18.3.05 | TP |
The Panel discussed with the Administration the toll increase of the Eastern Harbour Crossing.[LegCo Brief]
A motion on the item was moved and passed by the Panel. The terms of the motion are "That this Panel expresses astonishment and strong dissatisfaction over the crazy toll increase of the Eastern Harbour Crossing, which was in total disregard of the affordability and wishes of the general public. In this connection, this Panel urges the Government to expeditiously review the toll levels of the three cross-harbour tunnels taking prudent consideration of the interest of the general public with a view to improving the current uneven distribution of traffic among the three tunnels. In addition, this Panel requests the Government to come up within one month with proposals aimed at addressing the uneven distribution of traffic among the cross-harbour tunnels, and calls on the tunnel company to defer the toll increase of the Eastern Harbour Crossing." | |||||
| 12.4.05 | SUBC | A Subcommittee was formed to examine the EHC Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule) Notice 2005 (The Notice). The Notice amends the Schedule to the EHC Ordinance to vary the EHC Road Tunnel tolls pursuant to an arbitration award. | |||||
| 20.4.05 | CQ | Hon Frederick FUNG raised a question on rising toll of the Eastern Harbour Crossing [Hansard "page 29"] | |||||
| 22.4.05 | TP | The Panel discussed with the Administration measures to enhance the distribution of traffic at the three road harbour crossings [Papers]
The Panel discussed with the Administration and the New Hong Kong Tunnel Company Limited the toll increase of the Eastern Harbour Crossing. | |||||
| 26.4.05 28.4.05 | SUBC | The Subcommittee continued to scrutinize the Notice.
A report was submitted to the House Committee on 29 April 2005.[Report] A report was submitted to the Council on 4 May 2005.[Report] | |||||
| 27.4.05 | CQ | Hon LAU Kong-wah raised a question on the common ownership approach of the three road harbour crossings. [Hansard "page 47"] | |||||
| 11.5.05 | CQ | Hon Fred LI raised a question on the impact of toll increase of the Eastern Harbour Crossing. [Hansard "page 28"] | |||||
| 15.6.05 | TP | The Panel discussed with the Administration the toll increase of the Route 3 (Country Park Section) and the Tate's Cairn Tunnel. [Paper] [LegCo Brief]
A motion was moved and passed by the Panel. The terms of the motion is "That this Panel urges the Government to withdraw the notices published in the Gazette in relation to its approval for the toll increases of Route 3 (Country Park Section) Company Limited and Tate's Cairn Tunnel Company Limited." | |||||
| 23.6.05 | SUBC | A Subcommittee was formed to examine the Tate's Cairn Tunnel Ordinance (Replacement of Schedule) Notice 2005 and Tai Lam Tunnel and Yuen Long Approach Road Ordinance (Replacement of Schedule 1) Notice 2005.
A report was submitted to the House Committee on 14 October 2005. [Report] A report was submitted to Council on 19 October 2005. [Report] | |||||
| 19.12.05 | TP | The Panel discussed with the Administration on possible measures to rationalize the utilization of build-operate-transfer tunnels.[Paper] | |||||
| TP | Information paper on "Western Harbour Crossing Tolls" provided by the Administration.[Paper] [Paper] | ||||||
| TP | Information paper on "Route 3 (Country Park Section) Tolls provided by the Administration. [Paper] | ||||||
| 26.1.07 | TP | The Panel discussed the Tsing Sha Control Area Bill. [Paper] | |||||
| 30.3.07 | BC | Government introduced the Tsing Sha Control Area Bill to the Legislative Council and a Bills Committee was formed to scrutinize the Bill. The purpose of the Bill was to provide for the determination of the boundaries of the road network between Sha Tin and Tsing Yi via Cheung Sha Wan to be known as the Tsing Sha Control Area, its management, operation and maintenance and the imposition of financial penalties on its operators. | |||||
| 5.5.07 | TP | The Administration briefed the Panel on its discussions with the franchisee on possible measures to rationalize the utilization of Route 3 and Tuen Mun Road. [Paper] | |||||
| 8.6.07 | HC | The Bills Committee on Tsing Sha Control Area Bill completed dieliberations on the Bill and report to the House Committee on 8 June 2007. [Report] | |||||
| 27.6.07 | COU | The Council resumed Second Reading debate on the Tsing Sha Control Area Bill. [Hansard "Page 195"] | |||||
| 9.7.07 | TP | The Panel discussed the proposed tolls and other charges for the Tsing Sha Control Area. [Paper] | |||||
| TP | Information paper on "Position on Route 10 (Northern Section) and measures to rationalize the utilization of Route 3" provided by the Administration.[Paper] | ||||||
| TP | Information paper on "Measures to Rationalise Utilisation of the Three Road Harbour Crossings" provided by the Adminsitration. [Paper] | ||||||
| TP | Information paper on "Western Harbour Crossing Tolls" provided by the Administration.[Paper] | ||||||
| TP | Information paper on "Route 3 (Country Park Section) Tolls Increase" provided by the Administration. [Paper] | ||||||
| 4.1.08 | HC | A Subcommittee was formed to examine the Tsing Sha Control Area (Tolls, Fees and Charges) Regulation.
A report was submitted to the House Committee on 18 January 2008. [Report] | |||||
| TP | Information paper on Western Harbour Crossing Tolls provided by the Administration. [Paper]
Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief] | ||||||
| 23.1.08 | CQ | Hon Alan LEONG raised a question on toll levels of cross harbour tunnels. [Hansard "page 43"] | |||||
| 23.4.08 | CQ | Hon Andrew CHENG raised a question on traffic congestion in the three road-harbour crossings. [Hansard "page 12"] | |||||
| 25.4.08 | TP | The Panel discussed with the Administration and the Tate's Cairn Tunnel Company Limited on the proposed toll increase of Tate's Cairn Tunnel. [Paper] [Paper]
Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief] | |||||
| 28.5.08 | CQ | Hon Emily LAU raised a question on rationalization of the usage of the three road harbour crossings. [Hansard "page 87"] | |||||
| 11.6.08 | CQ | Hon LEUNG Yiu-chung raised question on service life of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel. [Hansard "page 71"] | |||||
| 10.10.08 | HC | A Subcommittee was formed to examine the Tate's Cairn Tunnel Ordinance (Replacement of Schedule) Notice 2008.
A report was submitted to the House Committee on 24 October 2008. [Report] | |||||
| 12.11.08 | CQ | Hon Raymond HO raised a question on buying the shares of the Eastern Harbour Crossing and the Western Harbour Crossing. [Hansard "page 89"] | |||||
| 28.11.08 | TP | The Panel discussed the measures to rationalize utilization of Build-Operate-Transfer tunnels with the Administration. [Paper]
Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief] | |||||
| 25.2.09 | CQ | Hon CHAN Hak-kan raised a question on Route 8. [Hansard "page 47"] | |||||
| 9.12.09 | CQ | Hon LAU Kong-wah raised a question on fare collection systems for roads and tunnels. [Hansard "page 98"] | |||||
| 15.12.09 | TP | The Panel discussed the Tate's Cairn Tunnel toll increase application with the Administration and Tate's Cairn Tunnel Co Ltd. [Paper] [Paper]
Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief] | |||||
| 3.3.10 | CQ | Hon LAM Tai-fai raised a question on traffic congestion on the three road harbour crossings. [Hansard "page 93"] |
| New Hong Kong Tunnel Company Limited (Eastern Harbour Crossing): | http://www.easternharbourtunnel.com.hk/nhktc/eng/index2.htm Western Harbour Tunnel Company Limited: | http://www.westernharbourtunnel.com/en/index_content.asp Route 3 (CPS) Company Limited: | http://www.route3cps.com.hk/html/eng/index.asp |