Contractor and Network Rail fined total of £500,000 for failing to properly maintain the track near Southall

Contractor Amey and rail operator Network Rail have been fined a total of £500,000 over the derailment of a train near Southall in 2002.

Both companies were fined by the Old Bailey after pleading guilty to failing to properly maintain the track, exposing the train’s 450 passengers to risk. No-one was injured in the incident in November 2002, in which a train travelling at 120 mph derailed.

Amey was fined £300,000 for its part in the incident, and Network Rail £200,000. Both were also ordered to pay costs. Judge Richard Hone said that Amey had not ensured the track was properly maintained, and Network Rail had not supervised the work properly.

The judge said that the accident happened when a metal plate on a crossing split and part of it became lodged in the track.