Network Rail admitted failing to ensure the health and safety of passengers, road workers and train crew at an earlier hearing at Norwich Crown Court.

The crash took place in the early hours of 12 September 2006 at Croxton level crossing, near Thetford.

No-one was killed or seriously injured in the crash.

Network Rail was also ordered to pay £25,000 costs.

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) brought the prosecution against Network Rail.

Uneven panels

A spokesman for ORR said that shortly before 0555 BST a lorry had dislodged a heavy rubber panel in the crossing surface which was then hit by at least two other vehicles.

One car was lifted and spun out of control after it hit the "ramp" created by the panel, the ORR said.

Shortly afterwards, the train hit the panel causing it to derail as it went over the crossing.

The car drivers, seven passengers and train crew suffered minor injuries.

An investigation by ORR's railway safety directorate found the panel was not supported by a sufficient number of sleepers.

It also discovered Network Rail missed a number of opportunities to re-space the sleepers despite being told about the loose panel, and that there was insufficient training for staff.

Post incident inspection of the crossing also found a number of other uneven panels.