GLASGOW has the highest number of TV licence dodgers in Scotland.

GLASGOW has the highest number of TV licence dodgers in Scotland.

Latest statistics from TV Licensing reveal almost 12,000 people in Glasgow were caught watching TV without a licence during the first six months of this year.

Across Scotland, a total of 40,500 people were caught without a licence.

Glasgow had the lion's share of offenders, with 11,940 licence evaders - almost six times more than its closest city rival Edinburgh, which had 2138 offenders.

In larger towns, Paisley had 1163 licence dodgers, Kilmarnock 825, Ayr 781 and Airdrie 715.

The figures also show that across the UK, 5000 more licence dodgers were caught between January and June this year, compared with the same period in 2008.

The average evasion rate is just 5%, which means 95% of properties are correctly licensed.

Licensing bosses also claim TV licence collection costs fell to 3.4% of total income collected, from 3.6% the previous year.

Fergus Reid, spokesman for TV Licensing, said: "These figures show our continued effectiveness in catching people who watch TV illegally and therefore penalise the honest majority who do pay.

"While evaders come from all income groups, we understand that in the current economic climate some people may find it difficult to pay their licence fee in one go.

"This is why we provide numerous ways to spread the cost, including monthly direct debit, which can be set up quickly online, and a weekly cash payment plan."

A colour TV licence costs £142.50. Anyone not holding one risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1000.

For information on paying the licence fee visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info