Gardian charged illegal reminder fees to motorists at BonBon-Land

Parking company Gardian illegally charged reminder fees to motorists, including people who parked at BonBon-Land, DR reported Tuesday. The Consumer Ombudsman said the company, formerly known as ParkZone, breached Denmark’s Interest Act and good marketing practice.

One motorist received a letter last autumn demanding 60 kroner for parking at the amusement park and an additional 300 kroner in administration fees. The motorist complained to Gardian and contacted the Consumer Ombudsman. Gardian cancelled the charge but maintained that it was entitled to collect the administration fee.

The Ombudsman concluded that the 300-kroner charge was a reminder fee, not an administration fee. Under the Interest Act, such a fee may not exceed 100 kroner. Companies may charge no more than three reminder fees, with at least 10 days between them.

Signs at the car park say parking must be paid for through Gardian’s website within 48 hours of leaving. The company sent its letter more than 48 hours after the motorist had left, but still maintains that the letter was not a reminder notice.

Gardian has since reduced its administration fee from 300 kroner to 89 kroner. The Consumer Ombudsman still considers the company’s practice to breach the law and good practice.