The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s refusal to install advisory ‘keep clear’ markings on the road outside the complainant’s home. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. The Council has confirmed it has no power to install advisory road markings.
The complaint
Mrs X complains the Council refuses to install advisory ‘keep clear’ markings on the road opposite her driveway.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
We cannot investigate complaints about actions which are not the administrative function of a council. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(1) as amended).
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Mrs X and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint because the Council has confirmed it has no authority to install advisory road markings. It has advised Mrs X to contact the local county council who has the power to install the road markings she is seeking.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman