Network Rail fined £3 million for Potters Bar crash

The firm, which took over the running of the rail network from Railtrack a few months after the crash, apologised after the hearing at St Albans Crown Court.

"We accept the fine as we accept the liabilities inherited from Railtrack," a spokesman said. "We say again today that we are truly sorry."

The crash occurred on May 10, 2002 when a West Anglia Great Northern train derailed at Potters Bar station in Hertfordshire on its way to Norfolk from London.

"It is welcome that Network Rail, as successor to Railtrack, pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches," said the Office of Rail Regulation's director of rail safety Ian Prosser.

"Today marks the end of a long process which we have sought to gain a sense of justice for the families of the victims."