London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (24 020 267)
Category : Transport and highways > Traffic management
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 29 Apr 2025
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about parking enforcement on match days. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
The complaint
- The complainant, Mrs X, says the Council is not taking action to stop coaches parking on double yellow lines on match days. Mrs X wants the Council to penalise the drivers or fine the club.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- 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 an investigation if we decide there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))
How I considered this complaint
- I considered information provided by Mrs X and the Council. This includes the complaint correspondence and information about the Council’s enforcement action. I also considered our Assessment Code.
My assessment
- On match days, coaches are allowed to park on single yellow lines in the area where Mrs X lives. Mrs X complained to the Council and reported that coaches were parking on double yellow lines which is not permitted. Mrs X says the Council’s response was inadequate.
- In response to Mrs X’s complaint, the Council highlighted the issue to the club and issued reminders to its enforcement team. The club said it had given instructions to its marshals and the coach firms.
- Between December and April enforcement officers made 82 visits on match days, checked 18 vehicles and issued four Penalty Charge Notices. The Council says its officers will continue to patrol on match days.
- I will not start an investigation because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council. This is because the Council responded appropriately by raising the issue with the club, issuing a reminder to its officers, patrolling the area and issuing fines. There is nothing to suggest fault in its response and there is no reason to start an investigation.
Final decision
- We will not investigate this complaint because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman