Hong Kong marks smooth launch to new HKeToll automatic payment for tunnels, but 16 per cent of passing cars detected without properly set up system
- Transport commissioner says notice of payment will be issued to such drivers, with increasing surcharges if fee not settled
- Tsing-Sha Control Area first crossing to use system, with all other such government facilities citywide to do so by year’s end
Hong Kong marked a smooth launch to its new automatic toll system on Sunday after earlier delays, but about 16 per cent of 25,375 vehicles that passed through the Tsing-Sha Control Area were detected without the required payment tags.
A representative from the Transport Department revealed that as of 5.30pm the HKeToll system found 4,084 cars without the installations that would allow automatic payment. The Tsing Sha Highway charges a flat rate of HK$8 (US$1).
Commissioner for Transport Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said that drivers without the HKeToll tag would receive an electronic payment notice and were required to settle outstanding fees within 14 business days, or face a surcharge.
“We believe these drivers failed to apply for the tag, and they should do so as soon as possible,” Law said.
Law also noted some drivers might already have the tags installed, but fares were not deducted as there were insufficient funds in their account, or they had not selected a payment method through the app.
But she said there would not be many issues on this front, as the vehicles could still be tracked through their licence plates.
“We will issue a notice notifying drivers to pay the fee, then another notice seven days later if they have not done so,” she said.
