The first phase of Guangzhou’s South China Expressway has become toll-free following the expiry of its charging concession.

Toll collection ended at midnight on 7 August on the 15.6km section between Cencun Interchange and Tuhua Interchange, making the route free to use from 8 August. The eight-lane road, which connects the Panyu, Haizhu and Tianhe districts, opened in 1999 and became an important north-south route for commuters, freight traffic and vehicles connecting with Guangzhou’s wider expressway network.

The Guangzhou Municipal Transportation Bureau subsequently confirmed that the existing toll equipment would initially remain in operation at a zero tariff. Some facilities are also used to collect payments for adjoining tolled sections of the network. The change is expected to provide a significant saving for regular users. The city government said some commuters had previously been spending as much as RMB500 (US$74) a month on the route.

The expressway’s second phase remains under expansion. A new main toll station is being constructed close to Cencun Interchange to separate the toll-free first phase from the sections that remain chargeable. The adjoining Panyu Bridge will also continue charging until its own tolling term expires in 2027.