Transport Department launches HKeToll (with photos/video)
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     The Transport Department (TD) said today (January 6) that as one of the smart mobility initiatives, HKeToll, a free-flow tolling service, will be gradually implemented at all government tolled tunnels this year to replace the manual and automatic toll booths. Motorists can pay tunnel tolls with ease using toll tags, without having to stop or queue at toll booths for payments, thereby saving time and enjoying convenience.
 
     HKeToll makes use of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, with the support of the Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology, to allow vehicles to pay tolls without stopping at toll booths. The use of a tolled tunnel by a motor vehicle will be detected by the field equipment of the system through reading a toll tag affixed on the windscreen of the vehicle or by capturing the image of the vehicle's number plate, and recognising the vehicle registration mark automatically. Tunnel tolls will be deducted from the pre-set toll payment accounts in the system, and users will be notified.
 
     HKeToll has the following four major advantages:
1. No stopping or queuing for paying tolls when crossing tunnels, enabling smoother driving;
2. HKeToll supports multiple payment methods, bringing convenience to motorists;
3. No lane changing when crossing tunnels, enhancing road safety; and
4. No monthly fees for using HKeToll, and the TD will provide the first vehicle tag for every licensed vehicle free of charge. 

     For registered vehicle owners who have already applied for a vehicle tag when submitting their vehicle license-related applications earlier, the TD has started to issue the vehicle tag to them by post. Those who have yet to apply may submit their tag applications via HKeToll's webpage hketoll.gov.hk or mobile app. In addition to vehicle tag, to suit individual motorists' needs, the TD will also provide class tag which only distinguishes among vehicle classes. Motorists need to purchase class tags at designated outlets.
 
     Information has been uploaded onto HKeToll's webpage to introduce how to apply for and install vehicle tag, how to set up HKeToll account and link up with automatic payment methods, so that motorists can learn more about and familiarise themselves with paying tunnel tolls remotely through HKeToll. The toll service provider engaged by the TD has set up a customer service hotline 3853 7333 to answer public enquiries from 9am to 9pm daily. A total of eight customer service centres and service outlets (Annex) across Hong Kong will also commence operation from January 7.
 
     HKeToll will first be implemented in Tsing Sha Control Area in February. The TD will hold the Transport Trade Pilot Scheme from January 9 to 20 and invite stakeholders of the transport trade to join the trial use of HKeToll to collect users' opinions on the entire application process, user interface, etc. Further fine-tuning and optimisation will be made to better cater for motorists' needs.
 
     The TD is continuing its efforts in various preparation works, and will announce the exact implementation date of HKeToll in the Tsing Sha Control Area in due course. After the launch of HKeToll in the Tsing Sha Control Area, it will be gradually implemented at other government tolled tunnels this year. The TD appeals to motorists to apply for the vehicle tag to enjoy the benefits of smart mobility.

Ends/Friday, January 6, 2023
Issued at HKT 17:15

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