London Borough of Brent (19 002 949)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Highway repair and maintenance 08-Jul-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Council refused to compensate him for damage to his car caused by a pothole in the road. If Mr X disagrees with the Council’s decision it would be reasonable for him to take the matter to court.

Dorset Council (19 002 499)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Highway repair and maintenance 05-Jul-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about a pothole causing damage to his car tyres. Mr X’s claim is one of negligence by the Council causing damage to his property. The Council insurers rejected Mr X’s claim. The courts can decide on issues of negligence and make an award of damages. The appropriate route for Mr X to pursue his claim is to a court.

Devon County Council (18 017 650)

Statement Upheld Highway repair and maintenance 05-Jul-2019

Summary: Mr C complains the Council failed to take measures to prevent traffic issues caused by a road closure in 2018 and did not handle his complaint correctly. The Ombudsman has found evidence of fault in the Council’s complaints handling. He has upheld the complaint and completed the investigation because the Council agrees to apologise to Mr C for its errors.

Essex County Council (19 002 040)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Highway repair and maintenance 04-Jul-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint that the Council has refused her claim for compensation for personal injury. If Mrs X believes the Council should pay her compensation it would be reasonable for her to go to court.

Leicestershire County Council (18 017 231)

Statement Upheld Highway repair and maintenance 27-Jun-2019

Summary: Mr C complains that since the Council resurfaced the highway outside his house, his family has been experiencing noise and vibrations from use by heavy goods vehicles which affects their sleep. The Ombudsman has found fault in some of the Council’s communication but considers the Council’s offer of an apology is enough to provide a suitable remedy for this.

South Gloucestershire Council (19 001 904)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Highway repair and maintenance 26-Jun-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Council has not taken action to divert the flow of water from a downpipe away from the pavement. It is unlikely we could achieve any worthwhile outcome for Mr X.

Nottinghamshire County Council (19 002 640)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Highway repair and maintenance 25-Jun-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about an uneven road surface causing damage to the complainant’s cycling equipment. This is because it is reasonable to expect the complainant to take court action if he thinks the Council is liable for the damage.

Durham County Council (18 009 612)

Statement Upheld Highway repair and maintenance 24-Jun-2019

Summary: Miss D complains about the way the Council dealt with roadworks outside her house. The Ombudsman has found no fault in the way the Council dealt with the roadworks. There was fault in the way it handled Miss D’s complaint.

Staffordshire County Council (19 002 185)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Highway repair and maintenance 24-Jun-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Council failed to properly maintain the public highway and has refused his claim for damage to his car. If Mr X disagrees with the Council’s decision it would be reasonable for him to go to court.

Suffolk County Council (19 002 209)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Highway repair and maintenance 24-Jun-2019

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about a pothole causing damage to the complainant’s car. This is because it is reasonable to expect the complainant to take court action if he thinks the Council is liable for the damage.