Traffic through the three cross-harbour tunnels fell during the WTO Sixth Ministerial Conference, but toll cuts at Eastern and Western Harbour Crossings did not have a significant effect on diverting traffic from the Cross-Harbour Tunnel.

Deputy Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Annie Choi told lawmakers among the 12 options that may help improve traffic distribution among the three road harbour crossings, a combination of franchise extension and toll rationalisation was worth further consideration.

Ms Choi explained the idea of extending the franchise will "compensate" the franchisees for their loss in revenue resulting from toll adjustments. However, it is necessary to work out carefully the duration of the extension to ensure fairness to the franchisees, tunnel users and the Government.

Toll changes aimed at rationalisation

Regarding the proposed toll rise at the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and toll cut at Eastern and Western Harbour Crossings, Ms Choi said the option aims to rationalise the tolls of the three crossings.

The discussion on the combined option with the two franchisees, started several months ago, is ongoing. Ms Choi stressed any arrangement to be agreed must bring about overall benefit to the public, be fair to taxpayers and help alleviate traffic congestion in the tunnels and on the adjacent roads and junctions.

She said there is no timetable for the discussion, adding the Government will remain open to other viable options to rationalise traffic flow at the three cross-harbour tunnels.