The HKeToll facility – which allows Hong Kong motorists to drive through tunnels without stopping to pay tolls – will be implemented on the Cross-Harbour Tunnel from 5am on July 23. Motorists will not be able to use the manual toll booths and Autotoll lanes on the Cross-Harbour Tunnel from this day.
Vehicle owners who use this tunnel and who have not yet signed up for the HKeToll system must install a vehicle tag, open an HKeToll account, and set up their automatic payment before July 23. There are no monthly fees for using HKeToll, and the first vehicle tag for every licensed vehicle is free.
However, commuters should not remove their Autotoll tags so that they can continue to use them at other government-tolled tunnels where the HKeToll system has not yet started.
The government also plans to implement the HKeToll at the Western Harbour Crossing and the Eastern Harbour Crossing in August. The Transport Department will stop selling toll tickets from July 17 and give motorists a one-off special refund after the system comes into force at all three tunnels.
In addition, the tolls on all three cross-harbour tunnels in Hong Kong will change, starting August 2. The Western Harbour Crossing toll will go down to HK$60, and Eastern Harbour Crossing and Cross-Harbour Tunnel tolls will increase to HK$30 for private cars.
The HKeToll system was first introduced in January this year as a smart mobility initiative to replace the manual and automatic toll booths in Hong Kong. It uses Radio Frequency Identification technology, along with Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology, to allow vehicles to pay tolls without stopping at toll booths.
The system has already come into force in the Shing Mun, Lion Rock, Eagle’s Nest, Sha Tin Heights and Tai Wai tunnels in May.
To apply for an HKeToll tag, click here.
Header image credits: Jamie Lloyd via Flickr
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