Transport officials said a switchover to HKeToll at Tai Lam Tunnel in conjunction with a resumption of control over the key New Territories infrastructural connection has been a mostly smooth process.

The SAR administration took over the tunnel, which connects Yuen Long and Ting Kau, at midnight on Saturday at the end of a 30-year build-operate-transfer franchise.

The tunnel was fully closed for two hours from 3 am on Saturday to facilitate the switchover, allowing the electronic toll collection system to go live at 5 am.

A new time-varying toll system has also been implemented, reducing tolls for all vehicle types by 22 to 80 percent when compared to previous rates.

Private cars will now be charged HK$45 during peak hours, HK$30 during regular periods and HK$18 during off-peak times from Monday to Saturday.

On Sundays and public holidays, a flat toll of HK$18 applies throughout the day.

Commissioner for Transport Angela Lee visited the tunnel in the early hours on Saturday and was briefed on the transition.

“Following the substantial reduction of tolls and the rollout of HKeToll, we hope to make optimal use of the Tai Lam Tunnel 's spare capacity effectively to alleviate the busy traffic on alternative routes, “ she said in a statement.

The Transport Department said it would closely monitor traffic conditions on Monday, the first working day since the switchovers were implemented.