Close or secure NABOs with help from independent mediator

A special role it is: National Mediator NABO. Letty Demmers, an independent ombuds officer with the police since January 1, 2020, had the honor of holding this title. With a career as mayor, acting mayor and chief of police of the Zeeland region/chief of police, it is not surprising that precisely Letty was asked for this position. 

As she herself explains, "Throughout my career, my interest in security has continued to grow. Since I was also already visible within national politics (D66), my interests and qualities were already known to the government. Still, I was pleasantly surprised when in May 2018 I received a phone call from State Secretary Stientje van Veldhoven, politically responsible for our crossings. I could see myself in the role of National Mediator NABO, so I didn't hesitate and said 'yes' wholeheartedly."

Don't lump all NABOs together

"The NABOs are closed or converted into secured level crossings, agreements have been made about this by the ministry, ProRail and the chamber. Municipalities do not always succeed, sometimes due to a lack of knowledge and/or manpower or a lack of local priority. Safety comes first in everything, but you cannot lump all NABOs together. That has to be looked at per municipality. With my experience as a municipal administrator, I am well placed to research, negotiate and advise," said Letty. "Some municipalities are financially vulnerable and unable to provide co-financing. That's why I also talk to the provinces. For example, look at the northern part of the Netherlands, there is money there for stimulating working and living, for economic development. The closing of NABOs may, in my opinion, be put under that banner and so, for example, part of the available provincial budget could flow to the relevant municipality."

Consult at the front of the chain as early as possible

On an independent basis, Letty works with ProRail to jointly achieve the objectives. Consultation on the approach should take place as early as possible at the front of the chain, according to Letty: "Then I can include the municipality's plans in the consultation, then we can determine together what infrastructures are needed in the future and whether a NABO can be closed or should remain closed, but safer. Together with ProRail, we look at who all is interested in the situation in question and a triangular consultation takes place between me, ProRail and IenW."

Help realize rather than control

"Despite what my past would suggest otherwise, I really don't act as a policeman," Letty says with a smile. "On the contrary, I would rather help with the realization than act in a controlling way. After all, that is far from constructive. I prefer to use my knowledge at national and municipal administrative level, to create overview, to ensure clear communication and satisfied parties that work well together. In case that sounds rather non-committal, it certainly is not! After all, a deal is a deal."