TV licensing threats

orangeslimes

Hooloovoo wrote: »

I don't really understand the point of this.

I only have a media PC connected to my display equipment. If I should allow them access to inspect, which I most certainly will not be doing, what exactly are they going to inspect? The fact there isn't an aerial and TV card in the PC is irrelevant - I could still be viewing live TV broadcasts over the internet.

Are they going to stay and watch me permanently to make sure I never do anything illegal with any equipment I own? Do I get to charge them rent as a lodger? I don't really want a lodger.

Well in this case my flatmate let them in, showed them the tv, and explained it was just plugged into the xbox. They apparently said 'are you sure - our vans have detected that you are watching tv?' my flatmate said yes, and they went away.
It is annoying though - they must have just made up the van detection - because even if it could detect a tv signal how would they know the layout of a block of flats enough to pin it on us and not the downstairs neighbours? (we weren't watching tv btw) - they didn't attempt to check our internet records. I think they just turn up and hope that people are intimidated into paying the licence (I'm sure there are loads that dodge it so I can see why to some extent) but their tactics are objectionable.

Kayak10

Just looked at the link supplied by Cornucopia
Just to lighten the mood this is within one of the links to do with tenets Seems you have to have a licence if there's a toilet in the property :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

" However, there may be other reasons why you need your own separate licence, such as whether or not you have exclusive access to a toilet or washing facilities. If you are unsure whether this applies to your particular circumstances please contact us to find out more information."

Cornucopia

Kayak10 wrote: »

I am gob smacked I didn't notice some of it has been removed Do you know exactly what please ? Head of revenue management is the lady I put on here AND in communication with over this subject Awaiting reply

Someone seems to have objected to the lady's actual name being given. This seems to be a double-standard, as I see actual names quoted all the time in the various Parking threads.

Not a big issue, people can see the complaint process at TVL, and it gives her as the escalation point at the BBC.

Kayak10

orangeslimes wrote: »

Well in this case my flatmate let them in, showed them the tv, and explained it was just plugged into the xbox. They apparently said 'are you sure - our vans have detected that you are watching tv?' my flatmate said yes, and they went away.
It is annoying though - they must have just made up the van detection - because even if it could detect a tv signal how would they know the layout of a block of flats enough to pin it on us and not the downstairs neighbours? (we weren't watching tv btw) - they didn't attempt to check our internet records. I think they just turn up and hope that people are intimidated into paying the licence (I'm sure there are loads that dodge it so I can see why to some extent) but their tactics are objectionable.

My point exactly they work on intimidation As to how they detect as I said they now have hand held machines I'm in a block of flats and they came to my door Made me sign a document saying I had just moved in and was getting a licence

Cornucopia

Kayak10 wrote: »

The foot soldiers actually have a hand held machine to " prove your watching tv "

No. They have a paper form called a "TVL178". They fill it in with details of the offence, and ask the householder to sign it. It's pretty powerful evidence in Court.

There have been a number of cases where the forms have been abused by TVL staff in a variety of ways, generally for financial gain.

The handheld devices they have simply track their work - basically a list of names and addresses.

Even if they had an accurate hand-held detector, they would still need the name of the alleged offender, and you could still refuse to give it to them. (There is no legal requirement).

Kayak10

Cornucopia wrote: »

Someone seems to have objected to the lady's actual name being given. This seems to be a double-standard, as I see actual names quoted all the time in the various Parking threads.

Not a big issue, people can see the complaint process at TVL, and it gives her as the escalation point at the BBC.

Ok and thanks for that It was probably her objecting as her email inbox was probably on meltdown :rotfl: The funny way I got it The reply via my MP was sent to him and copied to Pipa so I picked her email up from there Just shows how simple some folk are lol

Kayak10

Cornucopia wrote: »

No. They have a paper form called a "TVL178". They fill it in with details of the offence, and ask the householder to sign it. It's pretty powerful evidence in Court.

There have been a number of cases where the forms have been abused by TVL staff in a variety of ways, generally for financial gain.

The handheld devices they have simply track their work - basically a list of names and addresses.

I believe if you look into it The device can pinpoint where the tv signal is being used Prob via triangulated satellites It's got a pretty chunky aerial on it
In my case I wasn't " asked " I was told it was an offence not to sign it

Cornucopia

Kayak10 wrote: »

Adindas
I don't know if your aware but the TVL have the right of entry...

They don't have a right of entry. They have the capability to ask a Magistrate for a Search Warrant.

Unless the law has changed it is an offence to have a piece of equipment in your property that could be used to watch live or recorded programmes

The law *has* changed. The offence is now using a TV for broadcast reception.

If you want to get into the detail, you'll need to refer to the Communications Act 2003, section 363 onwards, and The Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004. The working definition of a TV receiver is in the latter.

Kayak10

Kayak10 wrote: »

Ok and thanks for that It was probably her objecting as her email inbox was probably on meltdown :rotfl: The funny way I got it The reply via my MP was sent to him and copied to Pipa so I picked her email up from there Just shows how simple some folk are lol

As an added point to the name her surname is a famous film with robin Williams When he dressed as a woman I'm sure you can work it out

adindas

Kayak10 wrote: »

Adindas
One thing I take issue with your post if you read the whole thread I am certainly NOT toothless

I am referring to TVL staff

Kayak10 wrote: »

I don't know if your aware but the TVL have the right of entry as I believe it is the only company that can do this as somewhere along the line the government made it a legal matter that allow the police to be called
Unless the law has changed it is an offence to have a piece of equipment in your property that could be used to watch live or recorded programmes

I am not aware about that. Could someone or you provide a link a about that ?

Do you mean they have the right even they do not have any initial evidence ?