Pesky Government Announcement!

As far as I am aware, there has never been a conviction using 'evidence' from a so called TV Detector Van.

Martin.

I don't think it's needed. First step is to identify potential licence dodgers by checking addresses against the register of licences. There's no need for this to be mentioned in evidence. Second step is to turn up at the address and see if there's "reasonable cause". A TV visible through a window, or an antenna on the roof would elicit a knock on the door. As would a electronic detector reporting a positive result, perhaps pointing to a room round the back or a particular flat in a block. None of these detections need be offered as evidence. The evidence is provided by the third stage, in which the occupier is challenged by a team, including a Special Constable, who find the physical TV set, switched on or still warm. How they found the TV is irrelevant.

Dave

Dear God. That we have been so conditioned into thinking this is acceptable. Strangers turn up at your home demanding to know what you've been looking at. Truly frightening.

Martin.

Of course they have identification and, no doubt, would allow one to check their credentials.

We got rid of the telly 15 years, or more ago. License fee was about to go up four quid to £104, IIRC.

Guys turned up one day asking to check for a TV. Wife was loading things into the car and they were blockling the drive. She said go ahead and be quick or move the vehicle as she was in a hurry. They said ‘you look honest enough’ and left without entering the house. We’ve not missed it in that time - plenty of other things to do, than watch carp and repeats on the box!

Saved thousands by now - license, TVs and recorders, running costs and unwasted time in front of a useless piece of furniture blocking up space in the room.

They used to be able to check if a telly was in use when CRTs were in use as they always radiated rf that could be direction-finded. Not so with LCD sets or the even more modern sets. They can, however, now check where anything is imported to internet addresses.

We’ve had regular reminders, to send back, to confirm we do not watch programs. No SAE, so I just post it back in the same envelope with no stamp - the PO have to deliver those replies (eventually).🙂

I have a collection of 1684 of the TV Licence agencies 'reminder' letters which are sent out on a regular twice monthly basis since I last bought a licence back in 1987, and they will continue to send them whatever you do until you a actually complete one declaring that you do not watch/use/download TV programmes. By signing one you agree to a 'visit to check'. There is no legal obligation for anyone to respond or do anything with their aggressive reminders, and unlike the utility providers have no legal authority to enter your property on grounds of safety/public interest. Unlike the utility providers, they have no legal authority to enter your property without your consent or have a court order for which they would have needed reasonable grounds or evidence of lawbreaking. As a Government agency they have access to all of your phone and computer internet address to look for evidence of illegal TV viewing. The mere ownership of a tv set is not illegal and so it's presence or absence is irrelevant, I've not had one since 1986 nor do I miss it's largely trival output, or our increasingly authoritarian government announcements which seem to apply more to the ruled than the rulers 🤬

Bringing ‘‘this thread. Slightly back on topic?

i find the number of “experts” produced astonishing. A few days ago a MEDIA-MISINFORMATION SPECIALIST was produced.......I kid you not........... an old east end resident would call that a DAGENHAM.

for those not in the loop Dagenham is two stops short of Barking!!!!!

jf

I am chair of trustees for our local village hall and sometime ago had an enquiry from TV licensing as to how many TVs we had on the premises of the village hall, we have none, but the tone of the enquiry was aggressive and went into details of how I would be punished if I didn’t comply or was using equipment without the relevant licence. Their attitude was almost as aggressive as the Performing Rights Society who tax venues that use radios or recorded music, I have had dealings with them and they can be so obnoxious, I throw any correspondence from them straight in the bin.
Dave W

Years ago, I worked for Cincinnati Biggleswade and in charge of IT at the time. Under my remit, this included telephones, telex, FAX (you detect this was some time ago). I was passed these letters demanding payment for a TV licence. Big company site must have a TV, but we didn't.

They stopped writing officious letters when on one reply I stated that we didn't have any TVs, didn't need a licence, but that we had two security dogs and that I attached copies of their various licences. No more problems after that !

Nice one Speedy,

Dave W