Crackdown On Unlicensed CB Users In Bristol

Press Release - 18th June 2002

Multi Agency enforcement checks carried out in Bristol have resulted in prosecutions of two local men for using CB radio equipment without licences.

Christopher Hill (37) of Kenn Road, Clevedon, Somerset, admitted installing and using a CB radio without a licence to officers of the Radiocommunications Agency (RA) during a roadside check at Tormaton near Bristol on 28 February this year. He appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court last Friday (14 June) and pleaded guilty to two offences contrary to Section 1(1) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949. He was fined £40 for each of the offences and was ordered to pay £70 costs.

Asif Hussain (24) of St Nicholas Road, St Pauls, Bristol, admitted installing and using CB radio without a licence when interviewed by RA officers on 24 April this year at a multi Agency check at Bristol Temple Meads railway station. He also appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court last Friday (14 June) and pleaded guilty to two offences contrary to Section 1(1) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949. He was fined £30 for each of the offences and was ordered to pay £50 costs.

Notes to Editors

1. The Radiocommunications Agency, an Executive Agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, is responsible for managing civil use of the radio spectrum.

2. The CB service is designed for low power, short range communications, by users without the need for technical qualifications. Use is permitted subject to the user holding a licence and using equipment which is compliant with the Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Regulations 2000 and relevant UK Radio Interference requirement (if not type approved prior to 8 April 2001) and be operated in accordance with the technical characteristics referred to in the licence.

3. There are approximately 25,500 licensed CB operators in the UK.

4. CB licences are distributed for the Secretary of State by the Post Office.

Media enquiries to the Radiocommunications Agency Press Office on Tel: 020 7211 0500

Issued on behalf of the Radiocommunications Agency by Government News Network South West