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Step 2: Explore the Citizen View - FixMyStreet Walkthrough

Browse the map, search by postcode, and view existing reports

Walkthrough progress

Step 2 of 6 • 3 minutes

Step 2 3 minutes

Explore the Citizen View

See FixMyStreet from a resident's perspective. Search by postcode, browse the map, and read existing reports with citizen comments.

Expected outcome

  • Map view loads showing pins for existing reports in Camden
  • You can click on a report pin and see its full details
  • You understand how citizens browse and discover problems in their area

Search by postcode

  1. Go to the FixMyStreet homepage

    Open the FixMyStreet URL from Step 1 in your browser.

  2. Enter a Camden postcode

    Type NW1 8QE into the search box and press Enter. This is a central Camden postcode near Euston.

    Other postcodes to try: WC1H 9JQ (King's Cross), NW3 2PP (Hampstead), or WC1E 6BT (Bloomsbury).

    FixMyStreet homepage with postcode search box and statistics showing 46 reports, 65 fixed, and 150 updates
    The FixMyStreet homepage with postcode search and live statistics
  3. Browse the map

    You will see an OpenStreetMap view centred on your postcode. Coloured pins mark existing reports. The demo includes 260 reports spread across Camden.

    • Green pins are fixed or resolved reports
    • Red/yellow pins are open or in progress
    • Zoom in and out to see more or fewer reports
    • Pan around the map to explore different areas
    Map view showing yellow report pins spread across the Camden area
    The map view with report pins across Camden — zoom and pan to explore different areas
  4. Click on a report pin

    Click any pin on the map to see a summary. Then click the report title to open the full details page.

    Individual report detail page showing the report title, description, map pin location, and an update comment
    A report detail page with title, description, location, and citizen updates

What to notice on a report page

When you open a report, look for these elements:

Report details

  • Title and description of the problem
  • Category (Potholes, Street Lighting, etc.)
  • Exact location on a map
  • Date reported and current status

Citizen interaction

  • Updates from the citizen who reported it
  • Council responses and status changes
  • Other residents confirming the problem
  • Photo evidence where provided

What to notice: The demo data includes realistic report lifecycle — from initial report through council acknowledgement to resolution. Some reports have multiple updates showing the conversation between citizen and council.

Troubleshooting: Map not loading or no pins showing

If the map is blank or no pins appear:

  • Check your browser allows JavaScript — the map requires it
  • Try a different Camden postcode (the demo data is concentrated in Camden)
  • Zoom out to see a wider area — pins may be outside the current view
  • Refresh the page if the map tiles fail to load
Troubleshooting: Postcode not found

If you get a "postcode not found" error:

  • Make sure you are entering a valid UK postcode
  • The demo is configured for the Camden area — use London postcodes starting with NW, WC, or N
  • Try entering just the first part of the postcode (e.g., NW1)

Need help?

If you're stuck, check the troubleshooting section or contact us.