Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about traffic management because further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.

The complaint

1. Mr Y complained the Council failed to communicate properly with residents about parking following a change in local parking arrangements.
2. Mr Y says this caused him inconvenience and distress and difficulties parking along his road.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

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 we could not add to any previous investigation by the organisation; or 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 Mr Y provided and the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. Mr Y is unhappy with the level of communication for residents following a closure of a local car park near his home. Mr Y complained to the Council in July 2024, saying that he had only been updated on the parking arrangements when contractors put up signs for vehicles to be moved by mid-July to allow for work to start.
6. Mr Y says he now finds it difficult to park his vehicle as there is not enough street parking available in the area and feels the Council ought to have communicated better about the issue and provided drivers with suggestions of alternative parking.
7. The Council recognised that its communication with residents had been poor. It apologised to Mr Y for the inconvenience caused in its complaint response. It also said it was due to introduce a resident parking permit in the area.
8. As the Council has considered the complaint, recognised the fault in its communication and the impact, which it has apologised for, it is unlikely the Ombudsman would be able to add to the previous investigation carried out by the Council. The remedy provided for the inconvenience caused to Mr Y is sufficient and proportionate. Consequently, it is unlikely further investigation would lead to a different outcome. We will therefore not investigate this complaint.

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Final decision

9. We will not investigate Mr Y’s complaint because further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman