London Borough of Haringey (21 006 392)

Category : Transport and highways > Traffic management

Decision : Closed after initial enquiries

Decision date : 01 Sep 2021

The Ombudsman's final decision:

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the installation of a speed cushion which the complainant says causes noise and vibration. This is because there is no evidence of fault by the Council.

The complaint

  1. The complainant whom I shall refer to as Mr X has complained the Council installed a speed cushion at a zebra crossing outside his property. He says this has not helped slow down traffic but is instead causing noise and vibration when vehicles travel over it.
  2. Mr X feels his privacy and comfort have been ruined by the speed cushion. He wants it removed and the road levelled off.

Back to top

The Ombudsman’s role and powers

  1. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement, I have used the word ‘fault’ to refer to these. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start or continue with an investigation if we believe it is unlikely, we would find fault. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)
  2. We cannot question whether a council’s decision is right or wrong simply because the complainant disagrees with it. We must consider whether there was fault in the way the decision was reached that is likely to have affected the outcome. (Local Government Act 1974, section 34(3), as amended)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

  1. I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council. I also considered our Assessment Code.
  2. Mr X now had an opportunity to comment on my draft decision. I have considered his comments carefully before reaching my final decision.

Back to top

My assessment

  1. Mr X says vehicles passing over a speed cushion outside his home cause noise and vibration which ruin his privacy and enjoyment. The Council had installed the speed cushion as a safety measure at the zebra crossing.
  2. Mr X complained to the Council which investigated his concerns and engaged in extensive communication with him.

  1. The Council reviewed the layout of the highway outside Mr X’s home. It explained the speed cushion was necessary to slow down traffic approaching a major nearby junction and to increase the safety of people using the zebra crossing.
  2. The Council accepted the profile of the speed cushion could be improved and took quick remedial action. It also installed road signs warning motorists to reduce their speed on the approach to the zebra crossing.
  3. The Council had a site meeting with Mr X who did not agree speeds were being reduced by the signs or speed cushion. The Council then undertook average speed surveys which showed vehicles were travelling at an appropriate speed.
  4. The Council says the measures adopted are achieving the desired outcome and it will not remove the speed cushion. However, it is willing to keep the situation under review subject to any further evidence Mr X produces to support his position.

Back to top

Final decision

  1. My final decision is that we should not investigate this complaint because there is no evidence of fault. The Council has responded appropriately to Mr X’s concerns.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman

Print this page

LGO logogram

Review your privacy settings

Required cookies

These cookies enable the website to function properly. You can only disable these by changing your browser preferences, but this will affect how the website performs.

View required cookies

Analytical cookies

Google Analytics cookies help us improve the performance of the website by understanding how visitors use the site.
We recommend you set these 'ON'.

View analytical cookies

In using Google Analytics, we do not collect or store personal information that could identify you (for example your name or address). We do not allow Google to use or share our analytics data. Google has developed a tool to help you opt out of Google Analytics cookies.

Privacy settings