Dim view of licence evasion

TV licence dodgers in the borough continue to pay the price for their ‘free’ viewing habits.

More than 320 people were caught watching television without a licence in 2010, according to TV Licensing.

This compares to more than 470 in Newtownabbey, more than 210 in Larne and more than 110 in Ballyclare.

Over 20,000 people were caught watching TV illegally across Northern Ireland and almost 400,000 across the UK. The average evasion rate remains at a low of just over five per cent, meaning that almost 95 per cent of properties are correctly licensed.

Deborah King, TV Licensing spokesperson, said: “It’s not fair on the vast majority of people in Carrickfergus who pay their licence fee for some people to watch TV without paying. We try to give people every chance to get on the right side of the law, but ultimately if they fail to pay, we will take action.

“We take TV Licence evasion very seriously, and any householder or business caught watching TV without a licence can face a prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

“We do understand that some people may find it difficult to pay their licence fee in one go, which is why we offer numerous ways to spread the cost, including monthly Direct Debit, which can be set up very quickly online, and a weekly or monthly cash payment plan.”