The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about faulty signals at a pedestrian crossing. This is because the issue has been resolved so further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.
The complaint
The complainant, who I will call Miss X, complains about faulty signals at a pedestrian crossing. Miss X says she and her children are unable to use the crossing because it is dangerous.
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 further investigation would not lead to a different outcome. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Miss X complained to the Council about faulty signals at a Pedestrian Light Controlled Crossing. The Council carried out an inspection but found no fault.
Since complaining to the Ombudsman, the Council has carried out a further inspection of the crossing. It found that the light instructing pedestrians to wait was not functioning and it has since resolved the issue. I will not investigate this complaint because the matter has been resolved and further investigation would therefore not lead to a different outcome.
Final decision
We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because the matter is resolved and investigation would not lead to a different outcome.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman