The government officially took over the Tai Lam Tunnel at midnight on May 31, 2025, implementing the new tolls and fully rolling out the "HKeToll" system by 5 a.m.
On June 2, 2025, the first working day after the government took over the Tai Lam Tunnel and implemented a new tolling system alongside the "HKeToll" system, Transport and Logistics Bureau Secretary Lam Sai-hung conducted an initial site inspection. She reported that from midnight to 6 a.m., traffic flow through the tunnel increased by approximately 10% compared to previous levels. The new system is expected to alleviate about 5% of the congestion on Tuen Mun Road during peak hours. Lam noted that the "HKeToll" system, which allows vehicles to pass without stopping to pay, has improved vehicle speeds and ensured smooth entry into the tunnel.
Lam emphasized that the government will closely monitor traffic conditions at the Tai Lam Tunnel, aiming to optimize the use of its remaining capacity through effective traffic management. She added that on Sunday, June 1, the tunnel saw a 40% increase in average traffic flow compared to previous levels, which was within expectations and manageable.
Additionally, Lam announced a comprehensive review of toll policies for government-owned tunnels. Some tunnels, such as the Aberdeen Tunnel and Shing Mun Tunnel, have not seen toll adjustments for years and may be prioritized for changes. New tunnels, like the Central Kowloon Route expected to open mid-2025, will also be considered for toll charges to recover construction costs. The government plans to present details of the toll policy review to the Legislative Council in late June.
Under the new toll structure, all vehicle types at Tai Lam Tunnel enjoy lower fees, with reductions ranging from 22% to 80%. For private cars, tolls are HK$45 during peak hours, HK$30 during regular hours, and HK$18 during off-peak hours from Monday to Saturday, with a flat rate of HK$18 on Sundays and public holidays. Motorcycles are charged 40% of private car rates, ranging from HK$7.2 to HK$18. Taxis and other commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, have fixed rates of HK$28 and HK$43, respectively, across all days.