Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a lack of road safety measures in a residential area. This is because we are unlikely to find fault with the Council.

The complaint

1. Mrs X says that there is a lack of road safety measures where she lives. She says there are no speed limit signs or kerbs for pedestrians. Mrs X says this is dangerous for pedestrians and drivers because it could cause accidents. Mrs X wants the Council to install a pedestrian walkway and speed limit signs.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. 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 there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))
3. We investigate complaints of injustice caused by ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. I have used the word fault to refer to these. We consider whether there was fault in the way an organisation made its decision. If there was no fault in how the organisation made its decision, we cannot question the outcome. (Local Government Act 1974, section 34(3), as amended)

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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. Mrs X complained the roads around where she lives are not safe for pedestrians. She said that there is a hidden T-junction, no footpath and no speed limit signs. Mrs X asked the Council to install signage to make it safer.
7. The Council told Mrs X that it has identified locations that are a priority and explained why that location was not a priority. It said it was working with the Parish Council to impose a speed limit.
8. The Council also explained to Mrs X that there is a Highways Improvement Plan with the local Parish Council and that Mrs X can submit her comments there to be considered.
9. The Council has now confirmed it has imposed the 20 miles per hour speed limit in the area.
10. I am satisfied the Council has properly considered Mrs X’s complaint and explained its decision. If there was no fault in how the organisation made its decision, we cannot question the outcome.

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Final decision

11. We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint because it is unlikely that we would find fault with the Council.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman