The Transport Department announced today that it issued more than 610,000 HKeToll vehicle tags as of yesterday and reminded vehicle owners to place the tags on their windshield.

Speaking with the media this afternoon, Commissioner for Transport Rosanna Law said the free-flow tolling service will first be launched in the Tsing Sha Control Area on May 7. As a result, she urged vehicle owners to open a HKeToll account and set up an auto-payment method as soon as possible.

“For whatever reason, if vehicle owners have not applied for a vehicle tag and have to go through any tunnel with the HKeToll introduced, they will have to complete their payment in arrears through our website, or through our mobile app, or go to a convenience store to pay.”

Miss Law noted that some products on the market claiming to protect vehicle tags could actually affect the system’s detection ability.

“For the electrostatic labels or devices that are available in the market, some say it actually helps to protect the vehicle tag, but the reality, according to our testing, is that they will affect the accuracy of detecting these vehicle tags when drivers use the tunnels.

“So our advice is that you follow our advice and stick the vehicle tag firmly on your windshield.”

Additionally, starting today, the dedicated service counters for the taxi trade located at Rumsey Street in Sheung Wan and Tsuen Wan Government car parks will be opened to all vehicle owners to make appointments for applying for vehicle tags, opening an account and setting up payment means.

The 34 consultation counters located at MTR stations and the Home Affairs Department in the New Territories will continue to assist the public to apply for the HKeToll service.