All travellers intending to use the Tuas and Woodlands Checkpoints are advised to plan their travel carefully to avoid possible traffic congestion during the Chinese New Year. Traffic volume at the checkpoints is expected to be heavier than usual during this peak period. For departures, it is expected to start from Thursday evening, 30 Jan 2003. For arrivals, travellers can expect traffic to be heavy on Monday evening, 3 Feb 2003, when the public holidays end.

2 To avoid the congestion at the checkpoints, travellers are encouraged to car pool or make use of public transport instead.

3 Travellers departing Singapore by land will be able to know in advance the traffic situation at Tuas and Woodlands Checkpoints from the LTA's Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System (EMAS) installed along AYE and BKE respectively.

4 Travellers can also call the Check-Tips Hotline at 6863-0117 to find out the latest traffic conditions at the arrival and departure sections of Tuas and Woodlands Checkpoints.

5 Border security is important for a safe and secure Singapore. The checkpoints have a vital role to play in border security. Security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints have been stepped up to prevent attempts to smuggle in undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contraband. Therefore, the overriding need to ensure the security of our country may require travellers to put up with a little inconvenience, especially during the coming festive season.