A consumer rights organization has filed a mass lawsuit against a company over alleged illegal parking fees in Oslo, potentially involving up to 200 million Norwegian kroner.
The consumer rights organization Forbrukerrådet has initiated a mass lawsuit against the financial company Riverty, claiming it has issued unlawful high invoice fees related to parking charges. The case is set to be settled in the Oslo District Court this autumn, focusing on the legality of the fees imposed on consumers. The total amount in question could reach up to 200 million Norwegian kroner, raising significant financial implications for Riverty if they lose the case.
Simultaneously, Riverty has announced that it will counter-sue seven parking companies to which they have sent invoices, stating that it is demanding regression claims against these companies. Riverty's CEO, Kjell-Rune Birkelund, argues that the criticism leveled by Forbrukerrådet is focused on the pricing models and product design in the parking market, contending that the responsibility lies with the parking companies themselves rather than Riverty. This back-and-forth legal battle highlights the complexities of the charging practices within the Norwegian parking market.
Additionally, the implicated parking companies include OnePark, Apcoa, Aimo, Bember, Nor Tronic, Park Nordic, and Parkly. Birkelund expresses confidence that these companies have operated legally, as previously validated by the Market Council. However, the evolving legal situation suggests potential shifts in consumer trust and regulatory scrutiny in the parking sector, marking this as a significant case in Norway's consumer rights landscape.
