****************************************************
The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed today (February 25) on the Government's latest work plan for improving traffic distribution among the road harbour crossings (RHCs).
"The TAC members noted that views received during the public consultation on the three toll adjustment options put forward by the Government in 2013 were diverse and there was no clear indication of support for any option. In particular, the relevant District Councils were concerned about the capacity of the Eastern Harbour Crossing (EHC) and its nearby roads to absorb additional traffic, and whether the traffic diverted to the EHC would cause congestion in their districts," TAC Chairman, Mr Larry Kwok, said.
"The TAC appreciated that the Government's decision to put the toll adjustment trial scheme in abeyance was made having full regard to the latest traffic situations at the Cross Harbour Tunnel and the EHC, the views of the public and concerns of the relevant districts. Given that the additional traffic diverted to the EHC under the trial scheme may bring the tunnel's throughput very close to its design capacity, it would be cautious not to overburden the EHC and its connecting roads in view of its increased traffic in the last two years."
Members were also briefed on the Government's plan to formulate a more comprehensive strategy to rationalise traffic distribution among the RHCs upon the commissioning of the Central-Wan Chai Bypass (CWB) in 2017 as it will help ease congestion at the connecting roads of the Western Harbour Crossing (WHC). The EHC's ownership will have been transferred to the Government by then.
Mr Kwok said, "The TAC agreed that the commissioning of the CWB would be an opportune time for the Government to consider toll adjustment of the WHC, the capacity of which is currently constrained by its connecting roads, such that any scheme to rationalise the traffic distribution among RHCs would achieve greater effect.
"The TAC members noted that apart from pursuing the rationalisation of traffic distribution among the three RHCs, the Government would also consider a host of medium and long-term measures to address the congestion problem. Given the strategic importance of public transport in Hong Kong's transport system, the TAC welcomes the Government's review of long-term public transport planning and development and would be happy to provide comments on specific proposals when necessary," he added.
Ends/Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:46
NNNN
