Your Say: Are queue-cutting motorists largely to blame for jams at Singapore's land checkpoints, and how can improvements be made?
- by autobot
- Jan. 13, 2023
- Source article
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The root of the problem is the number of (immigration) lanes that are open! Solve the queue first by opening more counters especially during peak (periods). And stagger the timing of shift changes. By now, they (the authorities) should know what timings have the most cars passing through and should have more counters and less shift changes then. I've seen the designs in some other countries — build a proper road divider between the heavy vehicle, motorcycle and car lanes from 2km (before) the checkpoint, not just lane markers. This way there'll be no way for the queue jumpers to cut in and out. Perhaps widening the Causeway and opening more gantries may help? If the checkpoint authorities do not open all booths and clear all cars fast, the drivers who need to run to the bathroom will have no alternative but to cut the queue… Please do not blame them. If Singapore drivers don’t do it (cut queue), the Malaysian drivers would and vice-versa. There is no end to this unless there is a new Causeway with clear lanes demarcated for different vehicle categories with no option for queue cutting. Should segregate the car, bike and heavy vehicle lanes so as to stop queue-cutters. The causeway bridge is long overdue for a revamp. Please do impose harsher fines for queue-cutters. Install more closed-circuit television to catch these drivers (who cut queues) and stop their cars at the checkpoint to fine them S$1,000 and S$5,000 for repeat offenders. Nothing is more effective than burning a hole in their pocket. Consider a security fee or tax for each person crossing over and back to Singapore. An additional charge for cars with surge pricing similar to Grab. All fees collected go to ICA (Immigration and Checkpoints Authority) for welfare of overworked staff, improving skills, better motivation and upgrading skills to use more AI (artificial intelligence) in identifying, fining and banning queue jumpers. What happened to the cameras that are supposed to catch queue cutters? Not working? Leaders of both sides must make a greater effort to solve congestions at checkpoints. The two governments should seriously explore cross border ferry services near the existing Woodlands Checkpoint. The straits are not that wide and the fastest way is to use a ferry to ship travellers across. Given the close ties between the two countries, is there a need to stamp Singapore passports? Why not think out of the box and implement one border crossing instead of two? Both sides need to increase their manpower to solve this problem. Pay the officers well and employ more people. If not, improve the custom process to clear at a faster rate. But it’s really not easy.