News On Japan

Person on electric stand-up scooter spotted on Tokyo expressway

TOKYO - The operator of an expressway network in the Tokyo metropolitan area is calling for caution after a person was spotted on an electric stand-up scooter on the expressway at nighttime.

Metropolitan Expressway Company says the person entered the Shibuya Line at around 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday and traveled about 1 kilometer.

The company posted a video on social media. It shows the rider on a "kickboard" type vehicle entering and going along the roadside shoulder, although swinging into a traffic lane at one point.

The company has confirmed seven cases of people entering its expressways on such vehicles this year. No accidents occurred because motorists steered clear of the trespassers.

The company is urging riders of electric stand-up scooters to stay out of expressways, citing the risk of fatal accidents.

The company added that if riders enter expressways by mistake, they should immediately move to a safe spot and notify the police.

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