The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about traffic management. There is not enough evidence of administrative fault to justify an investigation.
The complaint
The complainant, I shall call Mr X, says Transport for London (TfL) failed to consider the impact on surrounding roads when it changed the route of traffic on a road near his home.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Ombudsman investigates 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 may decide not to continue with an investigation if we decide there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Mr X, including TfL’s responses.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
TfL confirms it carried out traffic modelling and is aware of alternatives to the changes it has made. However, it considers the current arrangement is the best choice to deliver a safety critical pedestrian crossing.
The Authority also confirms it is aware of issues with the current traffic flow. But it will continue to survey the area. It will also investigate any damage caused by heavy goods vehicles.
Our role is primarily to look at the way TfL carries out its administrative functions, not to look at its spending priorities or policy decisions. We consider the way it makes decisions. Without fault in its processes, we cannot question the merits of its decisions.
TfL must develop a strategy that is consistent with national legislation and local policies but, within that framework, is free to set its own priorities.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify an investigation.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman