Truck cartel proceedings: Ashtons Legal assistance continues

Media attention is likely to fall once again this week on the legal situation surrounding the ‘truck cartel’ and the compensation which may be due to many who purchased or leased medium or heavy trucks between 1997 and 2011.

Damages of up to £20,000 per truck could be payable following fines imposed by the European Commission on truck manufacturers in 2016 for breaking EU competition rules.

On 18 May 2018, an application was lodged by UK Trucks Claim Limited in the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) that can order damages in favour of those affected by over-pricing conducted in a cartel. The CAT deals with competition law disputes. UK Trucks Claim Limited is represented by Weightmans Solicitors and Ashtons Legal have been collaborating with Weightmans in relation to this action.

The application is seeking an order to allow the compensation claim to be brought on a group basis. This would save the individuals affected having to take part in the proceedings. The order would be for the total amount payable by truck manufacturers for all losses suffered between 1997 and 2011. If successful, those affected would be permitted to seek their share of the losses from this fund.

The case has therefore now finally reached an exciting new phase with the start of proceedings in the CAT. In the autumn there will be hearings for UK Trucks Claim Limited to be appointed as the Class Representative.

Numerous owners and operators of trucks leased or purchased during the 1997 to 2011 window have already sought advice from Ashtons Legal with regard to claiming compensation. We will continue to provide legal assistance and will do so on a ‘conditional fee agreement’ basis. If you would like to discuss a possible truck cartel claim for compensation then please contact Tim Ridyard on 01284 732111 or email tim.ridyard@ashtonslegal.co.uk.