Heavy traffic expected at land checkpoints from Dec 23 to Jan 3

SINGAPORE - With the Christmas and New Year holidays coming up on Dec 25 and Jan 1, 2016, traffic flow through the land checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas is expected to be heavy, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a press statement on Tuesday (Dec 22).

ICA said that traffic volume at the both checkpoints are expected to build up from Dec 23, Wednesday, to Jan 3, Sunday. Coupled with security checks, traffic build-up and delays will be inevitable.

As such, travellers are advised to adjust their travel plans if possible, to avoid a surge of travellers and vehicles seeking clearance at the land checkpoints.

ICA added that delays may be caused by travellers using invalid or wrong passports. These include using passports that were previously reported as lost or stolen, an offence punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, a 10-year prison term or both. Between January and October this year, there were 622 Singaporeans found using such passports at the two checkpoints.

Recovered passports should be returned to the ICA, and failure to do so can result in a $3,000 fine or imprisonment of up to two years or both.

Motorists are advised to check on the traffic situation at both land checkpoints before embarking on their journey. Information can be found at MyTransport.SG or http://www.onemotoring.com.sg.

debwong@sph.com.sg