Government Plans Measures Against Parking Rip-Offs: Court Fees to Be Reduced

A spokeswoman for Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ) confirmed to the APA a report by the "Presse" (Friday edition). The government proposal is expected to be approved by the Council of Ministers next week, according to the ministry's hopes. The goal is to make abusive vehicle possession disturbance lawsuits unprofitable.

This concerns business models of property owners who respond to short-term turning or parking of cars with the often standard threat of possession disturbance lawsuits and demand 400 euros or more to avoid them - hoping that those affected will comply with the payment request out of fear of a lawsuit. In many cases, there is no possession disturbance at all.

"Final Political Coordination" Underway

In September, the federal government announced plans to reduce the lawyer fee to around 100 euros by introducing a special assessment basis. This is intended to make it easier for those affected to take the more promising route through the courts. The same goal is pursued by the now announced reduction in court fees. Furthermore, in the future, it should be possible to take vehicle possession disturbance disputes to the Supreme Court (OGH), which was previously excluded.

"The final political coordination is underway," said a statement from the Ministry of Justice to the APA. "Our goal is to have the National Council pass the resolution this year." They aim for an "appropriate differentiation": justified possession disturbances could still be sued and would follow "the previous cost rules."

(APA/Red)

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