The chief executive of Network Rail has issued a public apology about the company's failure to manage safety at level crossings.

New boss Mark Carne made the remarks following a damning report published by the Commons Transport Committee, which attacked the firm's record. This came after a judge in January called on managers to pay more attention to what they were doing.

In his apology, the chief executive pointed out the organisation has invested £130 million in improvements since 2010, at the same time closing 800 crossings. The company has also built 38 replacement footbridges and appointed a total of 100 safety managers.

He added: "This progress is welcome, but we will never be complacent when it comes to public safety. I have made improving public, passenger and workforce safety absolutely integral to everything Network Rail does."

The company stated it intended to continue bringing in new technologies and increase its work with schools and other organisations to raise awareness of its safety message.