In a radio programme on Sunday, Secretary of Transportation and Logistics Lam Sai-hung said the government "leave a space for cushion" before changing the existing toll standards of the tunnels in the short term to reduce the impact.

He added that the government would, with mastering one year's data after the new tolls system of three cross-harbour tunnels launch next August, consider charging the tolls differentially in accordance with the periods in one day, claiming it will reduce the effect on car owners to a most significant extent.

"Moreover, the current traffic volume of cross-border tourism and logistics has not recovered fully due to the epidemic," he added, "we need to take the measures step by step."

The government earlier announced a proposal to adjust the tolls of three cross-harbour tunnels in August 2023 to reduce the congestion and encourage people to travel at other times or use public transport.

Under this, fares for private vehicles to travel in the Eastern Harbor Crossing (EHC) and Cross-Harbor Tunnel (CHT) will see an increase to HK$30, and Western Harbor Crossing WHC (CHT) drop to HK$60. 

Besides, the transport authority noted a "second phase", which will charge drivers travelling in tunnels according to the time period, will be launched after a one-year trial period of the new toll system and bring different toll standards during rush hours - 7am to 10am and 5pm to 8pm. 

However, taxis must pay the same toll rate for a full day of HK$25.