The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the location of a dockless bike bay and the Council’s actions in relation to this. This is because further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.
The complaint
Mr X complains that a nearby dockless bike bay regularly results in bikes blocking access to his garage. He is dissatisfied with the Council’s lack of enforcement action to prevent this.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
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 further investigation would not lead to a different outcome (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mr X complained to the Council that users of a dockless bike bay frequently leave bikes in a way that blocks access to his garage.
Mr X says that the Council have not done enough to enforce against cyclists who park illegally, allowing continued obstruction.
The Council said that it does not permit illegal parking and that cyclists who do not follow the rules receive warnings or fines. It provided Mr X with details of how any issues going forward can be reported.
After responding to the complaint, the Council said that it had changed its initial plan to relocate the dockless bike bay following public consultation. It decided to remove the bay entirely, with removal expected in September/October 2025.
I will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because doing so would not lead to a different outcome. The Council has apologised for a delay in acting against Mr X’s concerns and offered a suitable remedy to Mr X for the injustice this caused him. It has told Mr X how illegal parking of the bikes can be reported so that enforcement action can be pursued. Finally, it is the progress of removing the bay from outside of his home which will reduce the risk of bikes obstructing his garage. On balance, the Council has taken reasonable steps to address the issues raised in Mr X’s complaint and therefore further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman