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The franchisee of the Western Harbour Crossing (WHC) announced today (January 4) that it would reduce concessions for certain types of vehicles with effect from Sunday (January 6).
A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau said today (January 4) that the reduction of concessions was a commercial decision at the franchisee's discretion.
"We have repeatedly urged the franchisee to defer consideration of any toll adjustment and reminded it of the need to take into account public affordability and acceptability in devising its tolling strategy," the spokesman said.
"Despite our continued persuasion, the franchisee has decided to reduce some of the concessions with effect from January 6. We note that the franchisee will continue to offer concessions to all types of vehicles. We further note that the franchisee has decided not to increase the actual tolls of goods vehicles, which should help minimise the impact on the goods vehicle trade."
"We will continue to reflect to the franchisee that it should have due regard to the reaction of the market as well as the wider public interest in devising its tolling strategy," he said.
The Western Harbour Crossing Ordinance specifies a mechanism for adjusting the statutory tolls of Western Harbour Crossing. The franchisee has offered concessionary tolls for all categories of vehicles so that the actual tolls were maintained at the July, 2004, level in the past few years. The franchisee recently notified the Government of its decision to reduce concessions for certain types of vehicles so as to increase their actual tolls with effect from January 6.
Ends/Friday, January 4, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:58
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