In Hong Kong, with approximately 600,000 vehicles passing through the tolled tunnels and roads daily, many of the existing tunnels had been struggling to cope with traffic demand, particularly during the peak morning and evening rush hours. 

The initiative to implement multi-lane free flow tolling system (FFTS) at all government-owned tolled roads and tunnels was part of the Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint. The implementation of an FFTS effectively enhances the strategic roads’ capacity to handle the peak demand and reduces the extent of congestion. 

Arup brought together experts from several of the firm’s offices around the globe, in collaboration with the local project team, to deliver the first multi-lane FFTS for Hong Kong – HKeToll.

Letting the traffic flow

By using Radio Frequency Identification technology with the support of Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology, motorists can pay toll remotely without having to stop at manual toll booths or passing through tolled traffic lanes. When a vehicle passes through the toll point, the system will automatically detect the vehicle and collect the toll through toll tag or vehicle registration mark. 

Our commission included conducting an international market sounding exercise to understand the up-to-date technologies and capabilities in the market. We designed the system architecture and workflow for the system and the functional and performance specifications for its implementation, including the infrastructure design. Cost estimates and the promotion plan were also developed, and the tender documentation was prepared.  

With HKeToll’s implementation, vehicles can maintain their speed without the need to stop or slow down at toll booths, thereby alleviating traffic congestion, enhancing roadway capacity, shortening journey times and improving traffic safety. By removing deceleration, acceleration and idling of vehicles approaching the toll locations, it also helps save fuel and reduce air pollution. Removal of the toll booth also frees up a large amount of valuable space in these urban areas for other types of development uses, and achieves a completely free-flow tolling experience for all traffic. 

Arup also provided supervision and contract administration of the works contracts, including testing and commissioning, as well as the final system handover to the Transport Department as the end client. 

Aerial view of toll plaza, Hong Kong

The HKeToll system means that vehicles no longer need to stop or slow down at toll booths.

Tolling equipment on gantries includes an RFID antenna, an ANPR camera, an AVC laser scanner and a CCTV camera

Tolling equipment on gantries includes an RFID antenna, an ANPR camera, an AVC laser scanner and a CCTV camera. ANPR cameras capture front and rear vehicle number plates.

Bespoke design features for local conditions 

Our local team capitalised on their extensive transport planning experience to design the HKeToll system with bespoke features to suit local transport industry practices and user needs. Vehicle owners can conveniently manage their accounts and make electronic payments through dedicated mobile apps and website. 

The system’s flexibility accommodates both individual taxi owners and fleet operators. Taxi drivers can easily check in and have toll fees charged to their shift via a mobile app, while companies can oversee their entire fleet’s toll transactions and payments through a dedicated web portal. This adaptability ensures the HKeToll system aligns with industry practices, facilitating widespread adoption. 

Ensuring robust system performance 

To ensure the HKeToll system’s readiness, the project was commissioned in phases with comprehensive testing. Before activating a new toll domain, a month-long shadow running exercise was conducted at a non-production site under live traffic conditions.   While the system was designed for high accuracy, potential inaccuracies due to environmental conditions or toll tag misuse were mitigated by a manual image review mechanism. This allowed the operator to confirm the accuracy of transactions by reviewing detailed transaction information and photo records.  

Functional scalability for future demands

Arup worked with the client team to establish scalability and resilience concepts in the design of the HKeToll system to suit other potential types of pricing mechanisms and other forms of mobility charging.  

In late 2023, a time-varying toll system was introduced at the three cross-harbour tunnels, with variable rates during peak and off-peak periods. This congestion charging scheme effectively redistributed traffic and reduced peak-hour congestion. The system’s flexibility also allows for expansion, with plans to integrate payment for government-owned parking facilities. 

Partners & collaborators

Autotoll