<P> In the UK, small but growing numbers of people were illegally using American CB radios during the late 1970s and early 1980s . The prominence of CB radio grew in Britain partly due to the popularity of novelty songs like CW McCall's "Convoy" and Laurie Lingo & The Dipsticks' "Convoy GB" in 1976 (both of which were Top 5 hits) and the movie Convoy in 1978 . CB radio use was even featured on one part of the popular television programme Are You Being Served? . By 1980, CB radio was becoming a popular pastime in Britain; as late as the summer of 1981 the British government was still saying that CB would never be legalized on 27 MHz, proposing a UHF service around 860 MHz called "Open Channel" instead . However, in November 1981 (after high - profile public demonstrations) 40 frequencies unique to the UK, known as the 27 / 81 Bandplan using FM were allocated at 27 MHz plus 20 channels on 934 MHz (934.0125 to 934.9625 MHz with 50 - kHz - spacing). CB's inventor, Al Gross, made the ceremonial first legal British CB call from Trafalgar Square in London . </P> <P> The maximum power allowable on the MPT 1320 27 / 81 system was 4 watts (in common with the American system), although initially radios were equipped to reduce output power by 10 dB (to 0.4 watts) if the antenna was mounted more than 7 meters above ground level . The power - reduction switch is also useful in reducing TV interference . MPT 1320 also restricted antennas to a maximum length of 1.5 meters, with base loading being the only type permitted for 27 MHz operation . Over the next several years antenna regulations were relaxed, with antenna length increasing to 1.65 meters and centre - or top - loading of the main radiating element permitted . On September 1, 1987 the UK added the usual 40 frequencies (26.965--27.405 MHz) used worldwide, for a total of 80 channels at 27 MHz; antenna regulations were further relaxed, and the 934 MHz band was withdrawn in 1998 . </P> <P> CB radio in the UK was deregulated in December 2006 by the regulatory body Ofcom, and CB radio in the UK is now licence - free . The old MPT 1320 27 / 81 band will continue to be available for the foreseeable future . On 27 June 2014, changes were made by Ofcom to allow the use of AM & SSB modes on CB in the UK legally for the first time . The rules regarding non-approved radios and power levels above 4 watts on AM / FM and 12 W on SSB still apply, despite deregulation . Persons using illegal equipment or accessories still risk prosecution, fines or confiscation of equipment, although this is rarely enforced . AM and SSB on the freeband and amplifier use are common among enthusiasts . Packet radio is legal in the UK, although not widely used . Internet gateway stations are also beginning to appear; although illegal on 27 MHz, these units are connected to other CB stations around the world . </P> <P> Although the use of CB radios in the UK is limited they are still popular, especially with the farming community, truckers and mini-cab services . The widely used channel for the Young Farmers' Club is channel 11 . The normal calling and truckers' channel is channel 19, although many truck organisations and groups use other channels to avoid abuse . </P>

When did cb radio go to 40 channels