Overview
- TV Licensing says detector vehicles can identify the use of TV receiving equipment at specific addresses within minutes.
- The organisation describes some detection methods as developed in secrecy, with engineers working on isolated components.
- Visiting officers access a database covering about 31 million licensed and unlicensed addresses to inform letters and follow-up visits, with TV Licensing citing a 1-in-14 rate of incorrect no-licence declarations.
- In the year to June 2024, 28,542 people were prosecuted for licence evasion, with potential fines of up to £1,000 and the prospect of court action.
- A licence is required for any live TV on any device and for BBC iPlayer, the current fee is £174.50, and reports of a possible April increase remain unconfirmed by the Government.