Official warning :|

They send people lots of scary letters. I got at least 4 or 5 the year before last (when I didn't have a TV or license), getting more threatening, telling me I was the subject of an official investigation, etc, etc. They never actually did anything about it. Since you're not breaking the law you're under no obligation at all to write to them. I certainly wouldn't waste the time and money on a stamp. When they say that "you need to write to us" to tell us that you don't use the TV, they're lying. They can only enforce the law if you're breaking it.

(Don't stress about the "£1000 fine" either - that's the maximum allowed by law, the actual fine given is usually closer to £100, and they can only fine you at all if you've actually broken the law!)
 
They didn't detect anything, it's cheaper to send scare letters than have the hardware to pick up tuners leaking signal.
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Im the only person in my block to recieve one, and it was specific all the way down to which room i was in. TV was bought a year, mb 2, ago from tesco lol Doubt they leak info like that.
 
I'd be a bit wary, I was told that the license changed from "Permit to view Television channels" (i.e. TV is plugged into an aerial etc.) to "Permit to own a device capable of receiving Television channels" (i.e. owning a TV or TV card, regardless of intended use..)

Can't verify it, but worth checking just to be sure.
 
I have a stack of their various scare tactic letters and have even had a visit from the enforcement officer; once he said who he was, I said goodbye and shut the door. He didn't come back or go to court for a warrant.

As far as I can tell, there has never been a conviction using detector evidence; it is usually some scared person giving them entry and 'fessing up.

They can't enter without a warrant; unlikely to get a warrant without evidence; can't get evidence without a confession or entry to see TV connected and working.

Forget all the guff about taking a statement too; same thing; no warrant=goodbye. Don't even confirm who you are.

There used to be a guy on here who worked there; dunno if he's still around.
 
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The beginniing of each academic hear they will target Known Student accomodation as a standard, they full well know there will be a large number of people who haven't yet got one or haven't transferred their previous address so they'll just send out a warning.

As others have said ensure that your TV is detuned from all channels and make sure no aerial connection is made. They will try and get you even if you're getting a very very poor snowy image so mannually tune all your channels well away from the broadcast frequencies.
 
If it's connected via a VGA and you don't have a TV card and you don't recieve signals - you don't have to pay for anything, let them send letters! you are fine and dandy and have done nothing wrong.

Rich
 
DavidB said:
Well ive recently moved into student accomodation in cardiff, all is well and good, but this morning i recieved a letter from the TV liscensing authority stating that id recieved an "official warning" :eek:
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The "official warning" is utterly meaningless. TVL have no authority to issue such warnings. It's all part of the lies, empty threats, spin and bluster that TVL write in their "letters" (junk mail).

TVL "enforcement officers" have no more authority than any other member of general public. They have no right to enter your property or inspect your television.

They cannot prove you watch broadcast television unless you admit to it. "Detection equipment" is a myth - it has never been used to prosecute anybody in court.

The only people who are ever caught by tv licensing are the inadequate or the inadequatly prepared. The only people who are ever prosecuted are those who are gullible and credulous enough to believe the hype and sign a "confession form"

You can ignore the letters. Put them in the bin.

Have a look here http://www.bbctvlicence.com for a good example of how pointless the letters are.
 
TVL always do this to "scare students".

When I lived on campus it seemed like they just posted letters everyone - or at least random people to make it look less obvious. People were getting letters and they didn't even have a TV. I think I got about 3 letters over the year and some warning they would come visit. No-one did visit in the end.

I guess I was just lucky, but I highly doubt they visit every halls of residence in the country.
 
P.S. I had a TV but only used it to play video games. I had no aerial. I wrote them a letter stating this and if they wanted to visit to confirm this, to be my guest. I kept a copy in my drawer in case I did happen to get a visit from them. Not sure whether they got the letter in the end because I didn't get a reply.
 
Phæte said:
P.S. I had a TV but only used it to play video games. I had no aerial. I wrote them a letter stating this and if they wanted to visit to confirm this, to be my guest. I kept a copy in my drawer in case I did happen to get a visit from them. Not sure whether they got the letter in the end because I didn't get a reply.
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You'd be happy to let another member of the general public inspect your room? Bizzare.
 
Legoman said:
You'd be happy to let another member of the general public inspect your room? Bizzare.
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I'm sorry, what? TV License inspectors are no different to gas men checking your meter. If you've nothing to hide, why not let them do their job?
 
When I was living in student accomodation last year they sent me all kinds of letters saying "Official warning" and "Court notice" etc. They're just to scare you into buying a TV license. I just ignored them (I didn't have a TV).
 
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