E-Scooter riders flouting road laws on the Myall Coast Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad Myall Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - January 18, 2024 One e-scooter rider navigating public roads and footpaths all the way to the Singing Bridge. E-SCOOTER riders have been witnessed flouting State laws regarding the use of their vehicles, although some local councils, including MidCoast, are trialling a way forward. “All E-scooters are illegal to operate on public land (including roads) in NSW,” said a MidCoast Council spokesperson. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au “Transport for NSW, MidCoast Council and Beam are currently conducting a twelve-month trial in the Forster-Tuncurry area.” Council’s trial in Forster-Tuncurry is one of only six across NSW where e-scooters can legally ride on public roads, with all cases strictly following the same conditions, including: “only using the chosen provider’s e-scooter, only one person per e-scooter, riders must wear a helmet at all times, and it is illegal to ride on footpaths.” “We’re encouraging e-scooter users to be respectful by following the road rules, slowing down and allowing a gap when passing pedestrians,” Council’s Director Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Rob Scott said. “We are focused on ensuring riders continue to do the right thing, in particular following key riding rules such as wearing a helmet, as per the law.” E-scooter riders do not currently require a licence; however, they are subject to the same drug and alcohol offences as other vehicle drivers. During the holiday period, e-scooter riders on the Myall Coast have been sighted weaving on and off roads and footpaths down main streets, often with two riding precariously upon one e-scooter, and riding at night in dark clothing. Information on the MidCoast Council e-scooter trial can be found at www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/Our-news/Trial-is-scooting-along. By Thomas O’KEEFE Two younger riders, with no helmets, ride openly outside the Tea Gardens Hotel.
