Draft:HKeToll

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HKeToll Logo
Hotline (852) 3853 7333
Website https://www.hketoll.gov.hk/
Mailing Address 22A, Tower A, Billion Centre, 1 Wang Kwong Road, Kowloon Bay, KLN

As Hong Kong is continuously trying to promote smart city development with the launch of “HKSmart City Blueprint”, they are incorporating technology in many aspects of our society and holding exhibitions for citizens to learn more about government initiatives.[1]. Hketoll is another “Smart City” initiative to improve transport efficiency[2].

HKeToll is a free-flow tolling service implemented in 2023 which makes use of radio frequency identification and automatic recognition technology. When a vehicle passeses through the toll point of the “HKeToll” tunnel, the system will automatically detect the vehicle and collect the toll through toll tag or vehicle registration mark. The user will receive a notification of the successful toll payment through the mobile app[3]. Upon the implementation of Hketoll, manual toll systems and Autotoll will be decommissioned so there will be no duplicated toll systems[4].

How to use[edit]

Regarding the usage of the service, the user has to apply for a vehicle tag online, sign up for an account and add their vehicle. They select a payment means and install the vehicle tag on their vehicle. There are different installation methods for different vehicle types on their website[5].

Timeline[edit]

  1. 6 January 2023: Announcement from the transport department about the gradual implementation of HKeToll
  2. 9-20 January 2023: Transport Trade Pilot Scheme: invite stakeholders of the transport trade to join the trial use of HKeToll
  3. 7 May 2023: First implementation: Tsing Sha Control Area
  4. 23 July 2023: Implementation in the Cross Harbour tunnel
  5. 6 August 2023: Implementation in the Western Harbour Crossing (EHC)
  6. 27 August 2023: Implementation in the Eastern Harbour Crossing (EHC)
  7. 26 November 2023: Implementation in the Tate’s Cairn Tunnel

The Transport Department (TD) announced on 6 January 2023 that as one of the smart mobility initiatives, HKeToll, a free-flow tolling service, will be gradually implemented at all government tolled tunnels this year to replace the manual and automatic toll booths.

The TD held the Transport Trade Pilot Scheme from  9 to 20 January 2023 and invited stakeholders of the transport trade to join the trial use of HKeToll to collect users' opinions on the entire application process, user interface, etc[6]

The first implementation of the Hketoll in the Tsing Sha control area was supposed to take place late february but have been delayed to 7 May 2023[7]. Then, the next implementation took place for the cross harbour tunnel on 23 July 2023[8]. On 6 August 2023, the implementation of Hketoll for western harbour crossing took place[9] and on 27 August 2023, eastern harbor crossing implemented Hketoll[10]. Lastly, the implementation for Tate’s cairn tunnel took place on 26 November 2023[11].

List of tunnels installed with HKeToll in chronological order[edit]

HKeToll launch date[12][13] Tunnel[14] Route[14] Length of Tunnel (km) [14] Toll (HK$) [14]
1 7 May 2023 Eagle's Nest Tunnel and Sha Tin Heights Tunnel Cheung Sha Wan through Eagle's Nest hill to Tai Wai 2.1 km and 1 km $8
2 21 May 2023 Shing Mun Tunnels Lei Muk Shue (Tsuen Wan District) and Tai Wai (Sha Tin District) 2.6 km $5
3 28 May 2023            Lion Rock Tunnel Kowloon Tong (Kowloon City District) and Tai Wai (Shatin District) 1.4 km $8
4 23 July 2023 Cross Harbour Tunnel Hung Hom to Causeway Bay 1.9 km $8 – $30
5 6 August 2023 Western Harbour Crossing Sai Ying Pun (Central and Western District) and West Kowloon (Yau Tsim Mong District) 2 km $25 – $200
6 27 August 2023 Eastern Harbour Crossing Quarry Bay  (Eastern District) and Cha Kwo Ling (Kwun Tong District) 2.29 km $13 – $75
7 26 November 2023 Tate's Cairn Tunnel Siu Lek Yuen (Sha Tin District) and Diamond Hill (Wong Tai Sin District) 4 km $15 – $35
8 December 2023

(To be announced)

Aberdeen Tunnel Happy Valley (Wan Chai District) and Wong Chuk Hang (Southern District) 1.9 km $5
The map below shows the tunnels and bridges in Hong Kong. The location of tunnels installed with HKeToll are numbered according to the above list on the map.

Benefits[edit]

Promoting productivity and economic growth[edit]

Traffic congestion can hamper productivity. If the travelling time and queueing time can be shortened, both the motorists and passengers can save time to concentrate on their work which can increase their productivity. Time is also a critical factor particularly for the logistics industry. Reducing the delivery time can maximize the efficiency of the supply chain and will in turn promote economic growth.

Assisting in building a smart Hong Kong[edit]

HKeToll is developed as a part of the IT infrastructure development of Digital 21 Strategy for building a digital society. This free-flow tolling system aims to make a smart Hong Kong embracing innovation and technology for a strong economy and high quality of living.[15]

Easing traffic congestion[edit]

As the motorists do not need to stop or queue at the booths to pay the tunnel tolls, this will smooth the traffic flow and reduce traffic congestion.[16]

Increasing efficiency of road transport[edit]

As the tunnels are equipped with the free-flow HKeToll system, this can help alleviate traffic jam and can make the overall road transport network more efficient.

Improving road safety[edit]

The motorists can drive through the toll booths without stopping. Traffic accidents can be minimized as there is no stop-go traffic or no need to change lanes for payment. These can improve road safety.[16]

Being free of charge[edit]

HKeToll does not charge monthly fees and the Transport Department provides the first vehicle tag free of charge.[16]

Being flexible in payment[edit]

There are multiple payment methods including Octopus cards and contactless credit cards including Visa, MasterCard and UnionPay.[17] Motorists can choose a payment method convenient to them.

Mitigating environmental problem[edit]

Reducing traffic congestion can shorten the idle time in driving. With shorter idle time, less amount of air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and PM 2.5, will be given out. With less emissions, this can minimize air pollution.

In the Digital 21 Strategy, Hong Kong planned to build an e-government and to develop a leading digital city connecting to the world.[18] To enhance the transport system and traffic management, the government tunnels would install a Free-flow Tolling System. [15] To this end, HKeToll has been developed. HKeToll is an information technology (IT) investment. The IT investment can give tangible benefits of helping economic growth, and intangible benefits of saving time for the motorists. Other than the cost of hardware and software of HKeToll, there are ongoing costs such as administration cost, maintenance cost, and IT staff cost. Justifying an IT investment has proved more complex as there are tangible benefits and intangible benefits, and these benefits can be direct and indirect.[19] Tangible benefits can be directly measured in monetary values while intangible benefits can hardly be quantified. Therefore, the worth of investment on HKeToll cannot be solely justified by its return on investment especially when the investment has its strategic objectives such as building Hong Kong a digital society. In general, HKeToll is an automation which can improve operational efficiency.

Comparison between Autotoll and HKeToll[edit]

As for the intention of implementing HKeToll, it was designed to fully replace Autotoll traffic lanes and the traditional manual toll booths in the future.[4] While HKeToll being the successor of Autotoll, there are still some changes and differences compared to its predecessor.

Ownership[edit]

While Autotoll is owned by the private sector,[20] HKeToll on the other hand is fully owned by the government under the transport department. To explain the variations, the Hong Kong government wished to use the HKeToll to better support their policies raised in “HKSmart City Blueprint'', such as Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) Pilot Scheme in Central[21], in which it is difficult to implement these policies if HKeToll was owned by a private sector given the process needed to coordinate with.

Charges[edit]

For Autotoll, $35 administrative fee were charged every month for the users.[22] Besides that, prepayment was also required for creating an Autotoll account, in which the amount of fees depends on the vehicle type the user registered, with the fees ranged from $500 to $3000.[22] However, as for the HKeToll, the first vehicle tag that the user registered is free of charge and no additional administrative fees were required for the HKeToll service.[3]

Table of the amount of prepayment required for each type of vehicle of autotoll
Basic Service
Vehicle Type Each Prepaid Amount
Private Car / Motorcycle / Taxi HK$500
Private or Public Light Bus / Light Goods Vehicle / Single-decked Bus HK$1,000
Double-decked Bus (2 axles / 3 axles) HK$1,200
Medium Goods Vehicle (2 axles / 3 axles) HK$1,400
Heavy Goods Vehicle (4axies / 5 axles) #/ Container Vehicle (5 axles / 6 axles)* HK$3,000
Arrangement for Individual Vehicle Class / Type:
  1. *Definitions and Tunnel Toll Fees of Container Vehicles
    • Only 5-axle and 6-axle Autotoll tags are available for container vehicles.
    • All 2-axle container tractors should apply for a 5-axle Autotoll tag. All 2-axle container vehicles using Autotoll lanes will be charged as a 5-axle container vehicle, even if the total number of axles is less than five. Container vehicles with more than five axles should use the manual toll lanes.
    • All 3-axle container vehicles should apply for a 6-axle Autotoll tag. All 3-axle container vehicles using Autotoll lanes will be charged as a 6-axle container vehicle, even if the total number of axles is less than six. Container vehicles with more than six axles should use the manual toll lanes.
  2. # Tunnel Toll Fees of Heavy Goods Vehicle (5-axle)
    • All 5-axle heavy goods vehicles using Autotoll lanes will be charged as a 5-axle heavy goods vehicle, even the total number of axles is less than five when passing through Autotoll lanes.
  3. Autotoll service for tow trucks is currently unavailable (i.e. the vehicle with its Body Type classified as “Recovery Lorry” in the Vehicle Registration Document)

Service Area[edit]

For Autotoll, before the time when the government announced their plan in implementing the HKeToll system, Autotoll has covered all the toll roads in Hong Kong, which includes private sector operated toll roads such as Tai Lam Tunnel and all government owned toll roads.[23] In contrast, HKeToll are only implemented in the government owned toll roads, which means it is not available in the private sector owned toll roads.[24]

Exclusiveness[edit]

For Autotoll, Autotoll by nature is an inclusive toll system, which means that it is not the sole payment option for the toll roads. For example, you can use either Autotoll or traditional manual toll booths to pay the fees of Tai Lam Tunnel.[24] In contrast, reviewing the intention of the implementation of HKeToll, it has been mentioned in the website of HKeToll that the plan was to fully replace the traditional manual tool booths and Autotoll traffic lanes with HKeToll in order to provides a smooth driving experience as the drivers no longer needs to stop and queue up at toll booths for payments.[4] Hence, HKeToll by nature itself is exclusive compared to its predecessor. As for the drivers who did not register for the HKeToll vehicle tag yet processed through the toll roads which implemented the HKeToll system, the vehicles would be detected by the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology and the relevant data will be transmitted to the backend system instead. Afterwards, the toll service provider will issue the e-notice for payment to registered vehicle owners. For the drivers, they are required to pay the toll within 14 business days after passing the toll, in which they can settle the tunnel fee via FPS, Service Centre, Service Outlet of HKeToll or t pay in cash at 7-Eleven convenience stores. If the vehicle owner has failed to pay the toll within the 14 business days, the registered vehicle owner would be charged to pay an initial surcharge of $175 in addition to the unpaid toll.[25]

Controversy and Limitation[edit]

HKeToll have revolutionized the way tolls are collected, offering convenience and efficiency to motorists. However, the widespread adoption of HKeToll has sparked a heated controversy surrounding privacy concerns and erroneous charges due to system error.

Collection and Storage of Personal Data[edit]

One of the primary issues is the collection and storage of personal data. HKeToll rely on advanced technologies such as RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) and license plate recognition to automatically deduct charges as vehicles pass through toll booths. While this streamlined process reduces congestion and enhances traffic flow, it also means that a wealth of sensitive information, including vehicle registration details and travel patterns, is being collected and stored.

Citizens contend that the extensive data amassed by HKeToll poses a significant threat to individual privacy.[26] Despite the authority’s assertion that the “Vehicle Tag only stores two digital information, namely ‘Toll Tag Identification Number’ and processed ‘Vehicle Identification Number,’” and “does not store any information of the Vehicle Owner,”[27] the registration process requires users to acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions, including the personal information collection statement. Two noteworthy clauses within these terms are ‘enforcement actions’ and ‘prevention or detection of crime,’ indicating that the use of personal information extends beyond operational or administrative purposes. Consequently, both the government and the Hong Kong Police Force retain the authority to access user data associated with the user account, including credit card information, address, and the location and time of toll usage. Concerns arise from the fear that this information could be misused or exploited, either by government agencies or private entities.[28] Worries range from surveillance and tracking of individuals to potential data breaches that could expose personal information to malicious actors. HKeToll possesses the capability to acquire, recognize, or record data linked to a specific tag for purposes beyond toll calculation. The government may seek such capabilities for monitoring vehicle or cargo movements for security, hazardous goods tracking, etc. Privacy concerns are particularly pronounced when the tag is tracked, and its movements are observed and documented without the tag user’s knowledge or consent.

Safeguard of the Collected Data[edit]

Furthermore, there is skepticism about the adequacy of measures in place to safeguard the collected data. Despite assurances from the authorities about robust security protocols[29], skeptics point to the increasing frequency of cyberattacks and data breaches in various sectors while the media disclosed that Cyberport experienced a hack, during which approximately 400 gigabytes of personal data were compromised by the attackers in September 2023.[30] The potential for unauthorized access to HKeToll databases raises legitimate concerns about the safety and confidentiality of the stored information.

Mischarging[edit]

HKeToll relies on complex software algorithms for data processing, toll calculations, and communication. Software bugs or glitches can lead to inaccuracies or incorrect charges. In the initial three days following the implementation of HKeToll, the authority received 34 complaints related to tunnel charges.[31] Among these, vehicle owners reported instances where they received payment notices despite not traversing the Tsing Sha Control Area, or where their license plates were suspected to have been unlawfully acquired, resulting in erroneous charges for some citizens.[32]

Given that certain vehicles did not install the Vehicle Tag, the system relies on license plate recognition technology for identifying license plates. In cases where the captured image of the license plate is unclear and automatic recognition fails, HKeToll initiates a manual verification process before billing tunnel tolls to vehicle owners. However, statistics reveal that human errors occurred in four instances of manual verification, leading to inaccurate charges for certain individuals.[33]

 

Lack of awareness and understanding about how HKeToll works can lead to skepticism and resistance. lead to misunderstanding & negative perceptions about the new toll collection system and citizens may not be aware of the unpaid payment.

Upcoming Development[edit]

HKeToll has been making waves in the transport and technology sectors since its inception and the network using HKeToll is still expanding.

Expanding Network[edit]

Announced by the Transport Department (TD), the latest addition to its expanding network is the Tate’s Cairn Tunnel from 26 November 2023. In practice, all manual toll booths and Autotoll lanes are removed and thus motorists can drive through the toll booths without stopping and queueing for settling payment.[34] Come December 2023, the Aberdeen tunnel will also be integrated with the HkeToll system. By then, the HKeToll system will be implemented on all tunnels operated by the HKSAR government.[35]

For Tai Lam Tunnel, it is still operated by the Route 3 (CPS) Company Limited under the build-operate-tranfer (BOT) mode with a 30 years franchise.[36] Therefore the HKeToll is not applicable to Tai Lam Tunnel and only the Autotoll lane and manual toll lane are in service.[37] The HKeToll system will also be installed to Tai Lam Tunnel when the franchise expires in 2025 and returned to the government.[38]

Support to other Traffic Management[edit]

Toll Plans For Road Harbour Crossings[edit]

The integration with HKeToll aims to significantly streamline the toll collection process and thus making journeys smooth and efficient. The government implements various initiatives to bear the responsibility of addressing the traffic issue. The initiative of the Time-varying Toll Plan also serves as a significant change on the horizon. Starting from 17 December 2023, the second stage of the Time-varying Toll Plan will be implemented at the three vehicular harbor crossings, specifically the Western Harbour Crossings, the Cross Harbour Tunnel and the Eastern Harbour Crossings. Designing to manage the cross harbour congestion more effectively, differential fares would be charged during peak hours to suppress and divert excessive traffic demand.[39] The introduction of differential tolls will work in concert with the HKeToll system, combining to allow better management and distribution of traffic flow.

Electronic Road Pricing Pilot Scheme[edit]

In addition to the Time-varying Toll Plan, the Road-pricing plan is also related to the wide implementation of the HKeToll system.[40] Since the 1980s, the government has considered introducing electronic road pricing in the city to cope with traffic in busy areas. After years of public engagement and study, including a feasibility study from 2017-2022 and the establishment of an International Expert Panel being advisory to the scheme, the government initiated the Electronic Road Pricing Pilot Scheme in Central, which is to charge drivers who enter an area of Central covering 14 streets. The scheme plans to charge motorists under three types of charging mechanism, namely ‘area-based’, ‘cordon based’ and ‘time-based.[41] The ERP Pilot scheme has yet to be implemented by the government, considering the traffic condition of the Road Harbour crossing and Central after the implementation of Time-varying toll adjustment.

However, The role of HKeToll in the Electronic Road Rricing plan is uncertain. With its technological capabilities, the HKeToll would provide support to the road pricing plan by enabling smooth and efficient toll transactions in the compact area. Yet, Law Shuk Pui, the ex-commissioner of Transport has suggested that the introduction of the HKeToll system together with the new toll arrangement at the three Road Harbour Crossings has already relieved  the traffic congestion on the Hong Kong Island side, such as on Gloucester Road and Harcourt Road.[42] Then, if the two measures are effective to divert traffic from busy areas, Law views pushing forward a road pricing planning as unnecessary.

See also[edit]

See also: List of electronic toll collection systems

External links[edit]

https://etoll.gov.pl/en/

References[edit]

  1. ^ "HKSmart City Blueprint | Smart City". www.smartcity.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  2. ^ "行政長官2023年施政報告". www.policyaddress.gov.hk (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  3. ^ a b "HKeToll". www.hketoll.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  4. ^ a b c "Introduction - HKeToll". www.hketoll.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  5. ^ "Vehicle Tag - HKeToll". www.hketoll.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  6. ^ "Transport Department - Home". www.td.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  7. ^ "Hong Kong's new e-toll system 'ready to go' after launch fiasco, 2-month delay". South China Morning Post. 2023-04-02. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  8. ^ "HKeToll Begins At Cross-Harbour Tunnel On July 23, Will Start At Western & Eastern Harbour Crossings In August - The HK HUB". thehkhub.com. 2023-12-13. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  9. ^ "Transport Department - Home". www.td.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  10. ^ TD reminds public of implementation of HKeToll in Eastern Harbour Crossing from 5am this Sunday (with photo). (2023, August 4). Www.info.gov.hk. https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202308/24/P2023082400251.htm
  11. ^ "HKeToll". www.hketoll.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  12. ^ "What's news - HKeToll". www.hketoll.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  13. ^ "Operation of HKeToll at Tate's Cairn Tunnel generally smooth". www.info.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  14. ^ a b c d "Transport Department - Details and Location Maps". www.td.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  15. ^ a b TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT (13 March 2023). "Transport Department launches HKeToll (with photos/video)" (PDF).
  16. ^ a b c "Transport Department - Transport Department". www.td.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  17. ^ "Transport Department - "Stop-and-go" e-Payment service at Government Tolled Tunnels and Roads". www.td.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  18. ^ Information Technology and Broadcasting Bureau (May 2001). "Hong Kong Connecting the World – Digital 21 Strategy" (PDF).
  19. ^ Farrell, Aidan (2004). "Justification of Investment in IT systems". The ITB Journal. 5 (1): 128–144.
  20. ^ "Smart Mobility | Wilson Group (Hong Kong)". www.wilsongrouphk.com. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  21. ^ Innovation and Technology Bureau. (December 2017). "Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2023-10-27. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  22. ^ a b "Autotoll Club". www.autotoll.com.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  23. ^ "Transport Department - Tunnels & Bridges Introduction". www.td.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  24. ^ a b "Route 3 (CPS) Company Limited". www.route3cps.com.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  25. ^ "How To Pay". www.hketoll.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  26. ^ "易通行｜實測app現「塞車」方保僑查紀錄要等數分鐘：好多車主今日才登記". Yahoo News (in Chinese). 2023-05-07. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  27. ^ "FAQ - HKeToll". www.hketoll.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  28. ^ Ogden, K. W (2001-04-01). "Privacy issues in electronic toll collection". Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies. Implications of New Information Technology. 9 (2): 123–134. doi:10.1016/S0968-090X(00)00041-3. ISSN 0968-090X.
  29. ^ www.hketoll.gov.hk https://www.hketoll.gov.hk/Support/PICS. Retrieved 2023-12-16. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  30. ^ Standard, The. "Hackers demand $2.35m ransom from Cyberport". The Standard. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  31. ^ Standard, The. "Drivers complain of mistaken charges for HKeToll". The Standard. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  32. ^ "易通行無故收費 運署認4宗人為錯誤". Yahoo News (in Chinese). 2023-05-10. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  33. ^ 陳葆琳 (2023-05-10). "易通行｜運輸署收34宗收費投訴 4宗人手核對問題車牌出錯收錯錢". 香港01 (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  34. ^ "Tate's Cairn Tunnel to implement HKeToll from 5am on November 26 - HKeToll". www.hketoll.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  35. ^ "Transport and Logistics Bureau - My Blog". www.tlb.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  36. ^ "Route 3 (CPS) Company Limited". www.route3cps.com.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  37. ^ "Route 3 (CPS) Company Limited". www.route3cps.com.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  38. ^ Standard, The. "Smooth going as new auto-toll rolled out at Lion Rock". The Standard. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  39. ^ "Transport Department - Toll Plans for Road Harbour Crossings". www.td.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  40. ^ "研究40年 電子道路收費「未必需要」 運輸署長：解決中環違泊大致解擠塞 專組兩年半無開會 - 20230506 - 港聞". 明報新聞網 - 每日明報 daily news (in Traditional Chinese). Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  41. ^ "Transport Department - Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) Pilot Scheme in Central". www.td.gov.hk. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  42. ^ Standard, The. "Road-pricing plan unnecessary if e-toll system and tunnel fees ease congestion: transport chief". The Standard. Retrieved 2023-12-16.

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