Dutch railway staff will not be given batons or pepper spray to defend themselves against aggressive passengers, justice minister Ard van der Steur told parliament on Wednesday.

Railway unions had called on the government to arm NS workers following a spate of attacks on staff.

Giving personnel batons or pepper spray could also lead to other passengers being injured, Van der Steur said. Railway unions understand the decision and will not press further, the minister told MPs.

In March, ministers, unions and NS agreed a series of measures to improve safety at stations. The 20 biggest stations will have a resident police officer, camera surveillance is being increased and more stations are being closed to all but transport chip card holders.