Govt Drops Tunnel Toll Motion Over Legco Revolt

The government has dropped its plan to put a non-binding motion on a tunnel tolls adjustment scheme before Legco on Wednesday, despite initially saying the administration was determined to go through with it.

Secretary for Transport Frank Chan made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon.

Lawmakers across the political spectrum had objected to the government plan, which was to be implemented in 2020.

This is the second time in a month that Carrie Lam's administration has been forced to change ways after objections from Legco.

Earlier this month, changes being made to an elderly welfare scheme also attracted the wrath of lawmakers and the government was forced to announce a remedial measure to pacify the legislators.

Talking to RTHK earlier in the day, Chan had admitted that it was an "uphill task" for the government to get Legco's backing for the tunnel toll tweaks.

Th government wanted the HK$20 toll for private cars using the Cross Harbour Tunnel to be raised to HK$40, with the same new fee charged at the Eastern Harbour Crossing, rather than the current HK$25.

The HK$70 fee presently in place for car drivers at the Western Harbour Crossing was to come down to HK$50, in a bid to even out traffic between the tunnels and cut congestion.