Residents protest against proposed tram line in Neder-Over-Heembeek

Residents and traders on the Rue François Vekemans in Neder-Over-Heembeek protested against a proposed tram line that would connect the municipality with the centre of Brussels at the weekend.

The new tram line would pass, among other things, the Docks Bruxsel shopping centre and the Brussels North train station on its way to the city centre.

Many of the protesters were concerned about the dangers the tram line could pose to children and old people. Others feel that there is no need for a tram line as the area is already served by buses.

"On this street there are three schools and two creches, and older people come there to do their shopping,” local resident Claude De Brabanter told reporters. “A tram takes a long distance to come to a halt.”

“Three years of work will also affect businesses,” he added. “So, we here in Neder-over-Heembeek do not actually need a tram. A tram is useless, we have buses that are doing their job just as well at the moment."

Brussels transport company Stib intends to submit a building application for the tram line this year. The construction for the line is scheduled for early 2023.