Menu
07/10/2005
Firms fined over Hatfield rail crash
Two firms have been fined a combined total of £13.5 million over the Hatfield rail disaster, in which four people died.
The rail firm, Network Rail – formerly Railtrack – was fined £3.5 million, while engineering firm Balfour Beatty was fined £10 million.
Both companies were also ordered to pay £300,000 in costs.
Four people were killed and 102 injured in the crash, caused by a cracked section of the track, on October 17, 2000. The train, the London to Leeds express, came off the tracks at 115mph.
At the Old Bailey on Friday, Justice Mackay ruled that Balfour Beatty’s culpability was two to three times as much as that of Network Rail. He described their breaches of the Health and Safety Act as “one of the worst examples of sustained industrial negligence in a high risk industry I have ever seen.”
Earlier in the trial, the prosecution described the derailment as ‘an accident waiting to happen’. The cracked section of track had been identified for repair 21 months before the crash, but had not been fixed due to a backlog of work.
Balfour Beatty, which pleaded guilty to breaches of the Health and Safety Act, apologised for the crash.
Chairman of Network Rail Ian McAllister, said: “The Hatfield tragedy was a terrible event for everyone involved.”
However, he said that the rail industry had “changed enormously” in the last five years and said that maintenance had now been brought in-house and new technology introduced to ensure that that the chances of a similar accident happening again. Mr McAllister said that the firm’s approach had now been changed from ‘find and fix’ to ‘predict and prevent’.
The Safe Trains Action Group welcomed the court’s decision. Vice-Chairwoman Carol Bell said: “The size of these fines sends a message to companies that they must take full regard of safety.”
(KMcA/GB)
The rail firm, Network Rail – formerly Railtrack – was fined £3.5 million, while engineering firm Balfour Beatty was fined £10 million.
Both companies were also ordered to pay £300,000 in costs.
Four people were killed and 102 injured in the crash, caused by a cracked section of the track, on October 17, 2000. The train, the London to Leeds express, came off the tracks at 115mph.
At the Old Bailey on Friday, Justice Mackay ruled that Balfour Beatty’s culpability was two to three times as much as that of Network Rail. He described their breaches of the Health and Safety Act as “one of the worst examples of sustained industrial negligence in a high risk industry I have ever seen.”
Earlier in the trial, the prosecution described the derailment as ‘an accident waiting to happen’. The cracked section of track had been identified for repair 21 months before the crash, but had not been fixed due to a backlog of work.
Balfour Beatty, which pleaded guilty to breaches of the Health and Safety Act, apologised for the crash.
Chairman of Network Rail Ian McAllister, said: “The Hatfield tragedy was a terrible event for everyone involved.”
However, he said that the rail industry had “changed enormously” in the last five years and said that maintenance had now been brought in-house and new technology introduced to ensure that that the chances of a similar accident happening again. Mr McAllister said that the firm’s approach had now been changed from ‘find and fix’ to ‘predict and prevent’.
The Safe Trains Action Group welcomed the court’s decision. Vice-Chairwoman Carol Bell said: “The size of these fines sends a message to companies that they must take full regard of safety.”
(KMcA/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 January 2012
Legal Action Taken Over Cumbrian Rail Crash
It has been revealed that Network rail is to be prosecuted over the Cumbrian rail crash back in 2007, which claimed one life. The rail regulation body, The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said that they have started legal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law.
Legal Action Taken Over Cumbrian Rail Crash
It has been revealed that Network rail is to be prosecuted over the Cumbrian rail crash back in 2007, which claimed one life. The rail regulation body, The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said that they have started legal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law.
08 November 2011
High Speed Rail Network Gets Backing
A government committee has announced that a high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham has a "good case". The announcement comes after the Government carried out a public consultation on the proposal and the recommended route for an initial high-speed line from London to the West Midlands.
High Speed Rail Network Gets Backing
A government committee has announced that a high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham has a "good case". The announcement comes after the Government carried out a public consultation on the proposal and the recommended route for an initial high-speed line from London to the West Midlands.
27 April 2004
Firms accept liability for Potters Bar rail crash
In a joint statement made today Network Rail and Jarvis plc have formally accepted liability for the 2002 Potters Bar rail crash. Network Rail and Jarvis said they hoped that by "formalising the liability issue, those affected by the tragedy will gain some level of comfort and assistance".
Firms accept liability for Potters Bar rail crash
In a joint statement made today Network Rail and Jarvis plc have formally accepted liability for the 2002 Potters Bar rail crash. Network Rail and Jarvis said they hoped that by "formalising the liability issue, those affected by the tragedy will gain some level of comfort and assistance".
09 October 2008
Scottish Rail Strike Suspended
Scottish rail services are expected to return to normal after talks between Network Rail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union lead to a suspension of the 24-hour strike scheduled for noon.
Scottish Rail Strike Suspended
Scottish rail services are expected to return to normal after talks between Network Rail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union lead to a suspension of the 24-hour strike scheduled for noon.
05 July 2006
Hatfield rail crash fine reduced
Engineering firm Balfour Beatty has had the £10 million fine imposed over the Hatfield rail crash reduced to £7.5 million on appeal. Four people died and 102 were injured when a London-to-Leeds express train was derailed at more than 115mph in October 2000.
Hatfield rail crash fine reduced
Engineering firm Balfour Beatty has had the £10 million fine imposed over the Hatfield rail crash reduced to £7.5 million on appeal. Four people died and 102 were injured when a London-to-Leeds express train was derailed at more than 115mph in October 2000.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
