Safety operation around Heerlen Station and the tracks
On May 7, the municipality of Heerlen, NS, Arriva, and the police jointly carried out a safety operation at and around Heerlen Station and along the rail lines between Heerlen, Maastricht, Sittard, and Roermond. The operation focused on surveillance of public transportation, the station area, and downtown Heerlen.
During the enforcement day, inspections were conducted on trains, at stations, and in the area surrounding Heerlen Station. Municipal enforcement officers from the City of Heerlen and police officers also patrolled the downtown area and the vicinity of the station. The operation focused on safety, quality of life, and visible enforcement on public transportation and in public spaces.
Mayor Roel Wever: “The collaboration between the various partners went well and is viewed as valuable by all the organizations involved. By working together, we gain a more complete picture of what is happening in and around public transportation, and we can address violations, disturbances, and unsafe situations in a more targeted manner.”
During the enforcement day, several inspections were conducted and various violations were identified regarding tickets, identification, traffic safety, and public nuisance. Warnings were also issued, and enforcement action was taken where necessary.
During the enforcement day, NS issued 15 UVBs (citations for traveling without a valid ticket). In addition, two citations/warnings were issued for smoking, three citations/warnings for violations of the identification requirement, and one passenger paid on the spot for not having a valid ticket. Arriva issued 32 UVBs for traveling without a valid ticket. FiveMaps were alsoMaps , two citations were issued for violations of the identification requirement, two citations for smoking, and two citations for cycling where it is not permitted. One public transportation ban was also imposed.
The police issued 13 citations/warnings for violations of the ID requirement and 37 citations/warnings for cycling in areas where it is not permitted. In addition, three citations were issued for illegal parking, two for modified fat bikes, and five for bicycles that did not meet the requirements. Two individuals were also arrested for outstanding warrants. The municipal enforcement officers of the City of Heerlen issued 19 citations, gave 35 official warnings, and handed out 80 informal warnings. These actions were taken to ensure supervision, quality of life, and the prevention of disturbances in and around the station area and the downtown area of Heerlen.
Mayor Wever looks back on the campaign with satisfaction: “The partners involved have expressed their desire to continue organizing these kinds of campaign days together in the future. It is important that we remain committed to ensuring a safe, livable, and accessible public space for residents, commuters, and visitors to our city.”