The government said on Friday it plans to charge HK$10 for vehicles using the Central Kowloon Route, while raising tolls for two existing tunnels.

The new Central Kowloon Route is due to open partially later this year, and the HK$10 toll would apply to all types of vehicles.

If lawmakers approve the proposal, the government plans to charge road users in the middle of next year, when the entire route is scheduled to be completed.

That's expected to add HK$257 million a year to the public coffers.

Officials said the new tunnel could absorb around one-fifth of the east-west traffic in Kowloon, easing congestion in busy districts such as Yau Tsim Mong, Kowloon City and Sham Shui Po.

The government also said it wants to raise the toll at Aberdeen and Shing Mun tunnels from HK$5 to HK$8.

It said the higher charges are expected to have a minimal impact on traffic for the two tunnels, but the toll hike would double the revenue generated, to around HK$289 million a year.

Officials plan to table legal amendments within this Legco year, and if lawmakers approve them, the new charges could take effect within a month.

In documents submitted to the legislature, the Transport and Logistics Bureau said public affordability was among the factors that officials had taken into account in making the proposals.

The legislature's transport panel is due to discuss the matter in a week.