Rise in TV licence fee dodgers

THE number of Tonbridge residents dodging the TV licence fee has risen by more than ten per cent in the past year.

Figures revealed by the Broadcasters Audience Research Board this week show more than 170 people were caught catching up on their soaps without a valid licence in 2011.

In 2010, the number of offenders was at the 150 mark.

Pauline Gillingham, TV Licensing spokesman for the South East, said the authority was determined to crack down on the problem.

She said: "We are committed to tackling evasion and enforcing the law among the small minority who should pay, but don't. It's only fair."

Compared to neighbouring towns, Tunbridge Wells had more than 200 evaders, non-licence fee payers in Ashford reached 380 and Maidstone was found to have 560 offenders.

Licence evaders can be fined up to £1,000, plus court costs.