Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a Low Traffic Neighbourhood as the Council has taken the action the complainant sought and we cannot add to this.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained about a Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) trial the Council has implemented in his local area. Mr X says this was adding to congestion and pollution and causing increased costs to his business. Mr X wanted the Council to suspend the trial.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
3. 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 further investigation would not lead to a different outcome (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

6. The Council decided to suspend the trial in response to concerns raised about disruption residents might experience with the commencement of major roadworks locally.
7. This is the outcome Mr X sought and any investigation by us would not add to this. As such, we will not investigate.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the Council has suspended the LTN trial.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman