Hongkongers may have to pay more to use the Aberdeen Tunnel and the Shing Mun Tunnels under a government proposal to raise tolls from HK$5 (64 US cents) to HK$8 to help recoup some of their hefty annual losses, the Post has learned.

The tunnels’ current flat fee of HK$5 for all vehicles has remained unchanged for 34 years.

A source said on Thursday that authorities were planning to raise the toll to HK$8.

The Shing Mun Tunnels recorded a deficit of HK$52 million in the 2023-24 financial year, while the Aberdeen Tunnel recorded a HK$16 million loss. The government’s earlier forecasts indicated that the deficits would continue, with estimated shortfalls of HK$52 million and HK$21 million, respectively, this financial year.

The source added that officials had also consulted legislators on toll options for the Yau Ma Tei tunnel section of the Central Kowloon Bypass, which was expected to open by the end of the year.

Various options were being considered, including toll-free access and fees of HK$10 or HK$17.