Route 3 maintains actual tolls
******************************

    The franchisee of Route 3 (Country Park Section) has announced that it would continue to offer concessions to maintain the actual tolls at the current levels, despite the fact that new statutory tolls will be gazetted tomorrow (September 8) in accordance with the specified toll adjustment mechanism provided in the Tai Lam Tunnel and Yuen Long Approach Road Ordinance (Cap. 474).

     "We note that the tunnel company is entitled to increase its tolls if its actual net revenue falls short of the minimum estimated net revenue specified in the law," a spokesman for the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau said.  

     "We understand the tunnel company will maintain the actual tolls for all types of vehicles at the current level.  We hope that more concessions could be offered," he added.

     The Tai Lam Tunnel and Yuen Long Approach Road Ordinance provides for a specified toll adjustment mechanism in respect of Route 3.

     The franchisee recently notified the Government of its decision to exercise its right to effect a statutory toll increase.  The new statutory tolls will be gazetted tomorrow (September 8) and will take effect on September 17.  At the same time, the tunnel company will offer concessions to all vehicles so that the current toll levels would be maintained.

Ends/Thursday, September 7, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:01

NNNN