One of Guangzhou's busiest urban expressways will stop charging tolls from August 7 this year, marking the end of a tolling period that has lasted more than 25 years.

The first phase of the South China Expressway (华南快速干线), a 15.6-kilometre eight-lane route linking Panyu District and Tianhe District via Haizhu, has had its operating period extended to that date. After that, the road will become toll-free.

The expressway opened in 1999 and was built by a private developer under a government-backed model to address traffic bottlenecks between Tianhe and Panyu. Over the years, as Guangzhou expanded south and east, the road became a vital artery for commuters and freight traffic.

For drivers travelling between Panyu and Tianhe, monthly toll costs could reach 500 yuan, making it the city's most expensive commute. For logistics companies, tolls add to operating costs.

Signs at toll stations have been updated to show the operating period ending in August 2026. The city's 12345 hotline confirmed this. The adjacent Panyu Bridge will continue charging until its toll period ends in 2027.

The second phase of the expressway, which opened in 2003, is undergoing expansion. A new main toll station is being built at the Cencun Village Interchange (岑村立交), where the first and second phases meet. It is expected to be completed in 2027, according to the operator.

The future management of the road after August remains under discussion. According to the operator, the government is still determining the governance of the toll-free section, which involves the transfer of assets and responsibility for operations and maintenance..

Among commuters, reactions have been mixed. A resident surnamed Liu, who travels daily between Panyu and Pazhou, said she looked forward to saving several hundred yuan a month. Others expressed concern about worsening congestion on a road already busy during peak hours.

Some drivers argued that the toll had helped keep traffic volumes manageable. One transport industry worker said modern navigation apps would help distribute traffic by suggesting alternative routes based on real-time congestion and tolls.

Concerns were also raised about non-motorised vehicles accessing the expressway after the tolls are removed. The 12345 hotline said management standards would not be lowered after the change.

Several major roads in the region have already removed tolls. The entire Guangzhou Ring Road (广州环城高速) became toll-free in March 2024 when its northern section was included. The Guangzhou-Foshan Expressway (广佛高速) stopped charging in March 2022. The Guangyuan Expressway (广园快速路), a major urban artery, has been toll-free since December 2017.