Last week it was announced that the number of incidents on the Vechtdal line (Emmen – Zwolle) has not decreased, despite the deployment of more stewards on the train and more staff on the platform. The nuisance is mainly caused by so-called safelanders. These are asylum seekers who have virtually no chance of obtaining a residence permit.
The province of Overijssel is now entering into renewed discussions with the Ministry of Justice and Security, the regional broadcaster writes. The provincial government allocated one million euros in 2021 to limit nuisance on the train connection.
Millions of euros will also be earmarked for safety on the Vechtdal line in the coming years. The Ministry of Justice and Security, and the provinces of Drenthe and Overijssel, will provide almost a million euros annually until at least 2027.
The money will be invested, among other things, in additional boas for station and train security. The flying brigade helps to increase the feeling of safety among travelers and train staff, but has not yet sufficiently led to a reduction in the number of incidents. In fact, up to and including this autumn, the number of incidents is as high as in all of 2022.
This involves aggression, threatening and spitting on conductors and railway employees. According to the province, the increase in incidents is the result of more checks. It is identified more often where and when things go wrong.
Reason for the Overijsselse Staten faction JA21 to sound the alarm. State member Fred Kerkhof submitted a motion yesterday calling on the provincial government to come up with additional measures. “More is needed to tackle the incidents in the Zwolle-Emmen nuisance train,” he said.
JA21’s proposal was adopted by a majority. This means that the Overijssel provincial government must come up with a plan that will lead to greater safety for staff and travelers on the Vechtdal line and reduce nuisance caused by asylum seekers.
The Provincial Council in Overijssel also wants to be informed every six months about the state of affairs regarding developments on the Vechtdal line, at least until Arriva’s concession expires in 2027.