Dismay At Reduction In Hatfield Fine

The TUC have reacted with dismay at the news that the Court of Appeal has reduced the fine payable by Balfour Beatty for their poor track maintenance that contributed to the 2000 Hatfield train crash.

Commenting to the rulling on Wednesday, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'Today's decision proves that the UK courts are not taking health and safety crimes seriously enough. Reducing the fine to £7.5 million sends out the wrong signal to other employers who might now be tempted to cut safety corners in the pursuit of increased profits.

'If the UK is to improve its safety record, the Government has to increase the financial penalties that are levied against negligent companies. But it also needs to do more than rely on fines alone and needs to urgently consider other more imaginative penalties. In addition, introducing a new safety duty on directors would go a long way towards focussing the minds of top executives more keenly on the safety and welfare of their employees and of the public.'

The Hatfield train crash killed four people and injured 102 who were travelling on the London to Leeds express. The original penalty payable by Balfour Beatty was £10 million.

Source: TUC

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