SETW thanks motorists for cooperation on 1st working day after EHC toll increase
The traffic conditions for the Cross Harbour Tunnel (CHT) have been generally smooth on the first working day of the toll increase of the Eastern Harbour Crossing (EHC), thanks to the cooperation of the motorists, relevant government departments and publicity by the media, the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, said today (May 3).She noted that the normal peak period for the CHT in the morning had been advanced due to drivers responding positively to the Administration's appeal to leave home early.
There was also less traffic this morning due to more patronage of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) and Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC). However, the traffic volume picked up in the afternoon and the normal queue on roads leading to the CHT was noted.
Dr Liao said the actual impact of the EHC's toll increase might not have been fully reflected due to the impact of Golden Week when the number of goods vehicles using the tunnel drops.
She appealed to the public to continue to use more public transport, the MTRC in particular, where possible. Drivers should also adhere to the advice of the Transport Department in planning their routes.
The department's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre would continue to monitor the situation in the coming days and would work closely with the Police to make necessary traffic adjustments where necessary.
The department will also maintain close communications with franchised bus companies and the management companies of the tunnels, and respond to situations that might arise.
On May 3, from midnight to 8pm, the number of vehicles using the CHT had risen by about 1%, which was an increase of around 720 vehicles and those using the Western Harbour Crossing had risen by around 7%, which was an increase of about 2,660 vehicles compared with a normal Tuesday. On the other hand, the number of vehicles using the EHC had dropped by about 21%, which was a fall of around 13,870 vehicles.
Deputy Commissioner for Transport Mr Lau Ka-keung said the department would continue to monitor the traffic situation and communicate closely with the parties concerned.
Members of the public can call 1823 to enquire about traffic conditions.
Ends/Tuesday, May 3, 2005