4 days ago
Queue-jumpers at Causeway and Second Link risk U-turn and blacklist
SINGAPORE: Motorists have been warned, queue-jumping at the Causeway or Second Link land checkpoints may result in a forced U-turn and possible blacklisting by Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
With traffic expected to spike during the June school holidays and the Hari Raya Haji weekend (June 6 to 9), the ICA has intensified enforcement against errant drivers attempting to cut queues at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.
The authority reminded motorists that officers stationed on the ground, supported by its central operations team, will not hesitate to flag down queue-jumpers. Offending vehicles will be turned around and ordered to rejoin the back of the queue.
Drivers who fail to comply risk more severe consequences, including being barred from entering the checkpoints in the future.
The ICA also warned that closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage would be used as evidence in cases of dispute over queue-cutting.
In a Facebook post, the authority said that during the recent Wesak Day long weekend (May 8 to 13), more than three million travellers crossed both land checkpoints, with traffic peaking at over 546,000 travellers on May 9 alone.
Long waits, at times stretching up to five hours, were not uncommon during public holidays. The ICA said that congestion tends to worsen during rainy weather, particularly when motorcyclists face difficulties with biometric clearance due to wet fingerprints.
Motorists were also cautioned against abusive behaviour at checkpoints, which could result in being referred to the Secondary Office for further investigation.
To minimise delays, the ICA advised travellers to observe road etiquette, refrain from unnecessary honking, and avoid bringing prohibited or controlled items when crossing into Singapore.
Meanwhile, Johor police Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department deputy chief, Deputy Superintendent Noor Azman Mat Sani, said strict enforcement will be carried out at both land checkpoints.
"We will continue to monitor traffic closely and issue summonses without compromise to any motorist caught committing offences, including queue-cutting," he told the New Straits Times when contacted today.
He also urged all motorists to obey traffic rules, plan their journeys, remain alert on the road, and prioritise safety at all times.
