TV Licence cheats
Published 31 Jan 2012 09:30
MORE than 800 people in Dumbarton and the Vale were caught watching TV without a valid licence in 2011.
TV Licensing today revealed the figures today (Tuesday).
This breaks down into 420 people in Dumbarton and 460 people in Alexandria.
Across Scotland there were 62,000 people caught watching TV illegally and almost 390,000 across the UK.
Fergus Reid, TV Licensing spokesperson for Scotland, said: "TV viewing is as popular as ever, with the percentage of households who have a television set at 96.7%, and it's our role to make sure everyone is aware of when they need to be covered by a licence.
"On behalf of licence fee payers in Dumbarton and Alexandria, we are committed to tackling evasion and enforcing the law amongst the small minority who should pay, but don't. It's only fair.
"People are given every opportunity to pay, but, if they fail to do so and watch TV illegally, we will seek a prosecution and the penalty is a fine of up to £1,000. Anyone found guilty is also required to buy a TV Licence at £145.50 if they still need one or they could face a second prosecution. It's really not worth the risk."
Information to help people decide which payment option will work best for them can be found on the TV Licensing website - www.tvlicensing.co.uk.
This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 31 Jan 12
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