The Transport and Logistic Bureau on Monday announced the time-varying tolls for the city’s three cross-harbour tunnels will be rolled out from 5am on December 17 – a week later than the previously announced date.

Officials said the decision was made to allow enough time to carry out publicity work after the completion of legislative procedures – so that the public can have a better understanding of the arrangements.

“It has been the government's target to implement time-varying tolls within 2023. Since the announcement of the toll plans for the three [road harbour crossings] in March this year, we have been actively launching publicity campaigns to enable motorists to grasp the details of the toll plans and make early preparations,” a spokesperson said.

“Upon the completion of the legislative procedures when the commencement date of time-varying tolls is fixed, the government will further step up publicity so that members of the public are fully aware of the specific charging arrangements.”

The relevant legislation will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting when it resumes on Wednesday.