TAC discusses proposed toll for Tsing Sha Control Area
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    Members of the Transport Advisory Committee discussed the Government’s proposed toll regime and other charges for the Tsing Sha Control Area (TSCA) at the committee's meeting today (July 6).

     At the meeting, the Government explained the rationale for the proposed toll regime and other charges, and the key factors considered.  The Government also answered questions from members.

    "We agree the need for the Government to balance a number of key factors when determining the toll levels, including meeting transport objectives, costs involved in providing the facility, strategic position of the route, tolls of alternative routes and public acceptability," TAC Chairman Ms Teresa Cheng Yuek-wah said.

     Members noted that the Government would consult the Legislative Council on the proposed toll regime.

     Members were also briefed by the Highways Department and Transport Department on the latest progress of the Northwest New Territories (NWNT) Traffic and Infrastructure Review.

    "The engineering feasibility studies of the highway options identified in the review shed light on the need to provide a new strategic north-south corridor linking the NWNT and North Lantau to meet the anticipated traffic demands of the region up to 2022," Ms Cheng said.

     The committee was also briefed on the recommended highway option of Tuen Mun Western Bypass and Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link, which provides NWNT with a more direct linkage to the Airport, the proposed Lantau Logistics Park, Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge and the possible new container terminal in Lantau.  

     The committee noted that the recommended new north-south strategic corridor would provide an alternative access to the airport and hence be able to reinforce Hong Kong as a regional logistics centre, and to cope with the development of NWNT.

     Members noted that the Government would consult the Legislative Council and the relevant District Councils on the details of the review and the recommended highways option.

Ends/Friday, July 6, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:00

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