A TOTAL of 271 young people aged 18 to 25 were caught watching live TV or BBC iPlayer without a licence in the past year in Somerset, according to figures released today by TV Licensing.

TV Licensing is reminding young people they could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 if they are caught watching live TV, or BBC programmes on iPlayer, on any device, without a licence.

Research by TV Licensing shows the number of students taking a TV to university has risen from 23% to 27% since last year.

Despite the explosion in popularity of smartphones and tablets, a television is still the most used device for students watching live or recorded TV.

However, for those watching BBC iPlayer, most are using a laptop, with 65% watching on their portable computer and 28% watching on their smartphone.

Awareness of knowing when a licence needed is high, with 92% of students clear that a TV licence is needed to watch BBC iPlayer on a TV set.

If students live in halls of residence and watch live TV or BBC iPlayer programmes in their room, they will need to be covered by a TV licence.

Students in shared houses will also require their own licence if they use a TV or device in their room and have a separate tenancy agreement.

Almost half of students believe TV Licensing is actively searching for evaders in their area who don’t have a licence, who are watching BBC iPlayer.

The study also revealed more than 53% of students think it would be would be embarrassing to get caught without a licence.

Richard Chapman, TV Licensing spokesperson in the South West, said: “Every year there are myths which circulate around campus about when you do and don’t need a licence.

"As most students own at least one device capable of showing live TV or watching BBC iPlayer - such as a laptop, smartphone or tablet computer – it’s important they know the law around being correctly licensed.

"If you’re watching live TV on any device, including mobiles and tablets, or watch catch up programmes on BBC iPlayer, you need to be covered by a TV Licence.”

TV Licensing is asking students who are worried about paying for a TV licence, to get in touch, as there are many payment options available, from paying in one go to spreading the cost over the year.

Students can easily check if they need a licence on the TVL website – www.tvlicensing.co.uk/studentinfo – or by calling 0300 790 6113.