Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about problems resulting from a temporary road closure. This is because any injustice to is not significant enough to justify our involvement.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained about problems in his local area due a temporary road closure. Mr X said the road closure led to dangerous driving outside a school. He also complained about the suspension of the school crossing patrol. Mr X said there were safety risks to children crossing the road.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start or continue an investigation if we decide any injustice is not significant enough to justify our involvement. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. Mr X complained about the impact of a temporary road closure during roadworks. He complained vehicles still used the road for access, leading to dangerous traffic outside a school. The Council said concerns about dangerous driving are matters for the police.
6. Mr X complained about the suspension of the school crossing patrol. The Council said there was no connection between the suspension of the crossing patrol and the road closure. However, Mr X was not happy with the Council’s response.
7. Mr X said requested further investigation into the issues he raised.
8. Our role is to consider complaints where the person bringing the complaint has suffered significant personal injustice as a direct result of the actions or inactions of the organisation. This means we will normally only investigate a complaint where the complainant has suffered serious loss, harm, or distress as a direct result of faults or failures. We will not normally investigate a complaint where the alleged loss or injustice is not a serious or significant matter.
9. The road closure was temporary and, although I appreciate Mr X’s concern for local children, I do not consider the level of personal injustice to be one that requires an investigation.

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Final decision

10. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because any injustice is not significant enough to justify our involvement.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman