The President of the Hong Kong Automobile Association said the newly-implemented HKeToll system at the Cross-Harbour Tunnel has improved traffic flow during the morning rush hour.

Monday marks the first working day since the implementation of the new arrangement at Hong Kong’s busiest harbour crossing, whereby motorists no longer need to stop and pay at toll booths.

Ringo Lee said on a radio programme that things went smoothly even though the number of lanes at tunnel entrances and exits have been reduced by half under the new system.

"Some drivers were worried that the reduction from eight lanes to four might cause huge traffic jams. But from understanding traffic flow and seeing today's results, the auto-toll has proven successful because even though there was build-up, cars were always moving," he said.

One driver said his commute went really smoothly, while another noted that it was easier to navigate now that there are fewer lanes.

“As long as you follow the lines, it is very easy to navigate the lanes because you don't need to merge anymore. I expect there to be congestion at times but definitely better than before,” he said.

Transport Commissioner Rosanna Law, meanwhile, said traffic queues at nearby Chatham Road North and Wuhu Street also shortened significantly.

She said she expects traffic flow to improve further once the toll booths are removed at the tunnel toll plaza.

"Once the booths are taken down, traffic flow will definitely improve significantly. That's because we can straighten the lanes and even widen them. Once everyone gets used to the auto-toll system, people won't adjust their speed so much because it won't feel like you are going through a toll stop," she said.