Road Tunnels (Government) (Amendment) Bill 2017 gazetted
********************************************************
Upon the expiry of the 30-year BOT franchise, the TCT will vest in the Government and become a government tunnel on July 11, 2018.
Similar to the arrangements for the takeover of the Eastern Harbour Crossing upon the expiry of its BOT franchise in August 2016, the Government's takeover of the TCT will bring no major change to the actual tunnel operation. The prevailing toll levels will not be affected. The road traffic regulations in terms of traffic signs and restrictions and so forth will also not be affected.
A government spokesperson said, "From a tunnel user's point of view, there will be no major difference before and after the Government's takeover of TCT."
The Bill also seeks to repeal the Tate's Cairn Tunnel Ordinance (Cap 393) and its subsidiary legislation, which is the governing legislation of the TCT as a BOT tunnel. In addition, the Bill provides for the necessary savings and transitional arrangements, and includes consequential amendments to repeal the references to the TCT Ordinance or the franchisee in other legislation.
The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council on July 12.
Ends/Friday, July 7, 2017
Issued at HKT 10:49
Issued at HKT 10:49
NNNN