With the upcoming Chinese New Year holidays, heavy traffic is expected to cause delays at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) said on Thursday.

Traffic could build up from next Monday and this is expected to continue until Feb 2.

ICA said in a statement that traffic towards Johor at the checkpoints is likely to be heavier from next Tuesday to Thursday, while traffic towards Singapore is expected to be heavier on Feb 1 and Feb 2.

Traffic bound for Singapore at the Woodlands Checkpoint was slow moving on Thursday at 2.30pm.

This year's Chinese New Year holidays are from next Friday to Saturday.

To help ease the congestion at the checkpoints, the ICA advised drivers to keep to their lanes at all times. Travellers could also consider car-pooling or using public transport.

Singaporeans, permanent residents and Long Term Pass holders can use the enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System lanes at the bus halls for quicker immigration clearance.

Travellers should carry their own passports before presenting themselves for immigration clearance and they should not bring prohibited goods into or out of Singapore.

Those leaving Singapore can find out about the traffic situation at the checkpoints by looking up the electronic advisories installed along the Ayer Rajah Expressway and Bukit Timah Expressway.

They may also call the traffic information hotline at 6863-0117, listen to TrafficWatch on the radio, or visit the Land Transport Authority's One Motoring website at www.onemotoring.com.sg