THE husband of a woman killed in a level crossing crash near Hereford says safety must always be placed above cost when considering improvement work.

Mark Harding said his life “changed forever” in January 2010 when wife Jane was hit by a train as the car she was travelling in passed over the crossing in Moreton-on-Lugg after barriers were wrongly lifted.

This week National Rail was fined £450,000 for its part in the fatality while signalman Adrian Maund must pay £1,750.

Both parties were found guilty following a three-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court in February.

“We lost a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife and mother to a then 13-year-old son, in an accident which we now learn could have been prevented,” said Mark in a statement released after the sentencing.

“In 2006 and 2007, a planning process to make improvements at Moreton-on-Lugg level crossing took place and work was subsequently carried out in 2009.

“While considering these upgrades, Network Rail management decided not to install a safety system which would have prevented the barriers at the crossing from being raised by the signaller and, therefore, the crash from happening.

"A significant factor in this decision, as we now know from the outcome of the trial, was cost-related.”

He said he accepts Maund didn’t intend to cause the accident but added his actions “were far from the professional standards” required.

“If Jane’s passing is to have any meaning, it will be that, in future, rail and road users will be placed at the forefront of those in the rail industry whose responsibility it is to ensure the general public’s safety at level crossings,” added Mr Harding.

“Safety - not cost - must be the top priority.”

During the trial the court heard that Maund, from Caswell Crescent, Leominster, became distracted after he received a telephone call from a farmer asking him if he could cross his flock of sheep at a crossing nearby.

Along with the fine, Maund was ordered to carry out 275 hours’ unpaid work and must pay £750 towards prosecution costs.

Network Rail, which must also pay £33,000 prosecution costs, had denied failing to ensure the health and safety of non-employees, while Maund denied failing to take reasonable care for the health and safety of railway crossing users.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “We are deeply sorry that through no fault of their own, the Hardings found themselves involved in a fatal train accident.

“Mrs Harding's death at Moreton-on-Lugg level crossing was a tragedy that has had a profound impact upon many families and railway staff.

“Since the accident alterations have been made at Moreton, and other similar crossings, to prevent such a rare signaller error leading to tragic consequences.”

The company added that a £130m investment in improvements across the country is making levels crossings “even safer”.