The class action for the bridge of the A-25 is allowed

The consumers Union received the green light from the superior court to bring a class action against Concession A25. Grouping of consumers complains that Concession A25 for failing to show the real price imposed on motorists who travel the bridge to highway 25.

Judge Louis j. Gouin, who made its decision Monday, finds that the petition meets the conditions laid down by the Code of civil procedure and it is not “frivolous” or “unfounded”. He emphasized that the difference between the price and the costs later claimed is “perplexing”. “The Tribunal is intrigued by such a situation,” he added, specifying that authorization for the use of which he is only a step and that the cause will have to be eventually debated on the merits.

Jean-Pierre Drévillon is the person designated for this use. May 23, 2011, Mr. Drévillon borrowed the bridge inaugurated two days previously. A panel installed at the entrance to the bridge indicates a rate of $1.80 per passage. Less than a month later, the motorist receives a bill of $6.80, which includes an administrative fee of $5.

With this use, the consumers Union claim administrative charges $ 5 to thousands of motorists who borrowed the bridge without transponder or account, as well as punitive damages of $5 for each of them. According to Philippe Viel, head of communications of the Organization, this could represent more than three million estimated in September 2011.

Union des consommateurs argued that Concession A25 violates the law on the protection of the consumer, which requires a business that it displays the total price it intends to impose. Concession A25 rather invoked security rules to justify the information displayed on its panels. “This action could create a discussion on the issues of the PPP, believes Mr. Viel. Mix the laws affecting roads and security versus consumption laws. »

Concession A25 would not comment on the record, merely to say that the parties will have the opportunity to make their arguments in court when the issue will be debated on its merits.