Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about signs restricting heavy goods vehicles from the area near the complainant’s home. It is unlikely we would find fault by the Council.

The complaint

1. The complainant, who I refer to here as Mr B, has complained the Council has not taken action to prevent heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) entering his road. He says the HGVs cause traffic problems as his road is, in effect, a cul-de-sac.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. 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 an investigation if, for example, we believe it is unlikely we would find fault. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by Mr B and the Council. I also our Assessment Code.

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Final decision

4. We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint because it is unlikely we would find fault by the Council. It has not ignored Mr B’s concerns and has placed signs where it considers they will be most effective. It has also explained HGVs need to access businesses near Mr B’s home so it cannot ban them completely. These are matters to the Council to decide.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman