Heavy traffic expected at Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints during school holidays: ICA
ICA also warns against displays or attires linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict at the two Singapore checkpoints
SINGAPORE — With the the school holidays about to begin, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is advising travellers who intend to use the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints to anticipate heavy traffic.
In their recent media release on Wednesday (15 November), ICA highlighted the expected surge in congestion to last from Thursday until 2 January next year.
Record traffic surge at land checkpoints during recent long weekend
During the recent Deepavali long weekend from 10 to 13 November, the land checkpoints experienced heavy traffic, with over 1.53 million crossings. This surpassed the traveller volume during previous long weekends like Labour Day and Vesak Day.
Car travellers might experience up to a three-hour wait for immigration clearance during peak periods, and ICA said there is a likelihood of longer waiting times especially during weekends.
"We seek travellers' understanding and cooperation to be patient, observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and cooperate with officers on-site when using the land checkpoints," it said.
Security measures and conflict-related displays at checkpoints
ICA has also heightened security measures at these checkpoints, mainly due to ongoing concerns amid the Middle East.
Amid heightened sensitivities surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, ICA strictly advises against any public display or wearing of articles linked to this conflict at Singapore's checkpoints.
This aligns with the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949, in which displaying foreign national emblems without a permit is considered an offence. Authorities will take firm action against individuals who do not comply with these regulations, including denying their entry into Singapore.
ICA's stand against queue cutting and commuter support measures
ICA also strongly discourages queue cutting at the checkpoints, and warns that offenders will be instructed to re-enter the line at the back.
To assist in managing these traffic challenges, motorists are advised to stay informed about the traffic situation at the land checkpoints. They can do so through the Land Transport Authority's One Motoring website or the Expressway Monitoring and Advisory System on the Bukit Timah and Ayer Rajah expressways.
Additionally, traffic updates are available on ICA's social media accounts and local radio broadcasts such as Money FM 89.3, Kiss92, One FM 91.3, 96.3 Hao FM, and UFM100.3.
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