THE HAGUE (ANP) – NS and ProRail have proposed setting maximum numbers of demonstrators and noise limits for protests at railway stations. The plans are outlined in a document published by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. The organisations also want to identify a “suitable demonstration location” at each station where passengers are less likely to be affected.
The document states that large groups of protesters can obstruct the safe movement of travellers and visitors. This can create risks of overcrowding and make evacuation more difficult. It also notes that excessive noise during demonstrations can make station announcements harder to hear, which could complicate an evacuation.
An NS spokesperson spoke on behalf of both NS and ProRail. The spokesperson said that no specific limits on crowd sizes, noise levels, or protest locations have yet been decided. The spokesperson added that any guidelines may vary depending on the nature of a demonstration.
Right to demonstrate
“No one wants to undermine the right to demonstrate,” the spokesperson said. “But we say: stations are unsuitable for demonstrations.”
The spokesperson acknowledged that the right to protest can sometimes conflict with measures aimed at maintaining safety. It can also conflict with efforts to ensure the smooth flow of passengers. Asked how NS and ProRail balance the right to demonstrate against those interests, the spokesperson replied: “That is up to the judge.”
Enforcement
Although NS and ProRail share responsibility for safety at stations, enforcement ultimately lies with local authorities. “We do not grant permission for demonstrations at stations, but we cannot prohibit them either,” the spokesperson said.
In 2024, the House of Representatives called for a framework for action and an escalation ladder for enforcing rules during demonstrations at stations. The request followed protests against Israeli violence in Gaza. A right-wing parliamentary majority expressed concern about slogans that demonstrators were allegedly chanting and described as being “of an antisemitic nature”.
The cabinet said several months ago that a framework for action had been developed, although it did not publish the document at the time. The draft was later obtained after ANP submitted a request under the Open Government Act. According to the ministry, the final version does not differ in substance from the leaked draft.
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