Singapore's land checkpoints are among the busiest in the world. At the Woodlands Checkpoint alone, total traveller volume last year was about 90 million. Motorcyclists make up an estimated 30 per cent of total traveller volume cleared.

To facilitate expeditious immigration clearance of travellers without compromising on security at the borders, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) opened an additional clearance zone for motorcyclists at the Woodlands Checkpoint from July 5 last year. This mini checkpoint has helped to spread the load of daily motorcyclists arriving for immigration clearance during peak hours from 5am to 11am, Monday to Saturday.

With regard to exhaust emission and noise created by motorcyclists while queuing for immigration clearance, ICA has placed signs along the drive paths leading to the immigration counters to remind motorcyclists to turn off their engines while in the queue, so as to reduce the exhaust emission and noise. The motorcyclists have generally been cooperative in doing so.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) also has a daily enforcement programme at the checkpoints to book smoky motor vehicles. Motor vehicles caught emitting smoke are fined on the spot.

Nonetheless, motorcyclists are also reminded to abide by traffic rules and observe lane discipline. While waiting in the queue, they should remain patient and refrain from sounding their horn.

NEA monitors ambient air quality in Singapore via a network of monitoring stations throughout the island. The results show the ambient air quality in all parts of Singapore is generally good and within ambient air quality guidelines set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Tan Quee Hong
Director, Pollution Control Department
National Environment Agency

Eunice Chu (Ms)
Deputy Director, Corporate Communications Division
for Commissioner, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority