Transport Department

Hong Kong’s cross-harbour tunnel tolls may require future adjustments as traffic volumes have surpassed pre-reform levels 2½ years after time-varying charges were introduced. Transport authorities cited ongoing peak-period queues spilling onto connecting roads and non-tunnel lanes, emphasizing the need for flexible tolling.

The Transport Department will consult with private bus operators in Tiruppur on July 7 to address complaints about unilateral fare increases. Operators on routes between Erode-Coimbatore and Tiruppur-Coimbatore raised fares by ₹5-₹10 per ticket without approval.

The Transport Department has mandated that mineral transport vehicles must be weighed at departmental weighbridges. This requirement aims to regulate mineral transportation and ensure compliance with weight standards.

Kerala's Transport department is considering pre-licence training in schools for Plus Two students to issue licences by the time they turn 18. Discussions with the General Education department are planned to implement the proposal.

The Hong Kong government watchdog criticized the Transport Department for systemic deficiencies enabling 'queuing gangs' to exploit the driving licence ticketing system, with 135 applications submitted by seven agents in a single instance. Digital shortcomings also harmed perceptions among overseas and mainland Chinese applicants.

The Transport Department in Telangana is implementing stricter driving license tests and aims to expedite application clearances through the VAHAN portal.

CM Vijay chaired a review meeting of the Transport Department. The meeting focused on departmental operations and oversight.

Hong Kong industry leaders urge the government to expand driver-monitoring systems from public buses to other transport modes and improve road infrastructure to reduce traffic accidents. The Transport Department plans to study the feasibility of leveraging technology for road safety after submitting a proposal to the Legislative Council.

A vehicle fire in the undersea tunnel of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge caused major traffic disruption and partial closure of the tunnel bound for Zhuhai and Macau. The Transport Department reported that the middle and slow lanes were closed, leaving only the fast lane open for motorists.

The Transport Secretary's vehicle was towed after damaging a pothole, highlighting concerns about road infrastructure. The incident underscores potential issues with public infrastructure maintenance.