The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a low traffic neighbourhood as the Council is continuing to investigate it.
The complaint
Ms X complained about the restrictions imposed on her when the Council trialled a low traffic neighbourhood (LTN). Ms X says she has a disability and must use her car to commute. Ms X says this caused her hardship and mental stress and that she was also issued with three penalty charge notices by the Council.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
It is our decision whether to start, and when to end an investigation into something the law allows us to investigate. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
The Council has escalated the complaint to stage 2 of its procedure. As the Council is best placed in the first instance to respond to Ms X’s complaint, I consider this is an acceptable way forward at this stage. If Ms X remains dissatisfied, she can complain to us again once the Council has finished dealing with the complaint.
Final decision
We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because the Council is to investigate it further and I consider it is appropriate to proceed in this way.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman