From then, commuters crossing Eagle Nest Tunnel, Sha Tin Heights Tunnel, and Tai Wai Tunnel will be able to pay tunnel tolls using toll tags without having to stop or queue at toll booths for payments.

"It will help motorists save time and enjoy the convenience," said the Transport Department.

All registered vehicle owners who have not applied for a vehicle tag are urged to make an application as soon as possible, said the Transport Department, as the toll service provider will take about five business days to process applications for vehicle tags.

The toll service provider has so far issued vehicle tags to more than 340,000 registered vehicle owners who have submitted applications.

After the implementation of the HKeToll, motorists can only use the service to pay the tunnel toll.

The automatic number plate recognition technology can detect the vehicle passing the tunnel if a registered vehicle owner fails to use the HKeToll to pay the toll. The toll service provider will then send an electronic payment notice to the vehicle owner, while late payments will incur a surcharge.

The Department also reminded motorists not to remove the Autotoll tags soon since other government-tolled tunnels which still need to implement the HKeToll will continue to use current toll collection methods.

Special traffic arrangements will also be implemented in the vicinity of the Tsing Sha Control Area from 11pm on February 25 to facilitate the works for tying in with the implementation of the HKeToll.

Eagle Nest Tunnel, Sha Tin Heights Tunnel, and Tai Wai Tunnel will be blocked temporarily between 2am to 5am on February 26.

The HKeToll services will be extended to Shing Mun Tunnel and Lion Rock Tunnel in the first quarter of 2023 and to all government-tolled tunnels in phases within the year, said the Transport Department.