More than 200,000 people travellers use the Tuas and Woodlands Checkpoints everyday, and more are expected to do so during the long weekend starting from 6 Aug 2004 to 9 Aug 2004. While additional manpower will be deployed at the land checkpoints during this period, some traffic build-up is inevitable when a large number of motorists and travellers want to pass through the checkpoints at the same time. Travellers are advised to plan their travel carefully to avoid possible traffic congestion. For departures, it is expected to start from Friday evening, 6 Aug 2004. For arrivals, travellers can expect traffic to be heavy on both Sunday (8 Aug 2004) and Monday (9 Aug 2004) evenings.

2 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.

3 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. They can also know the latest traffic conditions via Short Message Service (SMS) by dialing *112. This service is provided by Singtel and more information can be found on the website at http://www.ideas.singtel.com.

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

5 Border security is important for a safe and secure Singapore. 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. The overriding need to ensure the security of our country may require travellers to put up with a little inconvenience, especially during the coming long weekend. We seek the travellers' understanding and cooperation, as their security is our concern.


IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
4 AUG 2004