Motorists across the UK have been targeted by a new group of Eco-Warriors determined to halt SUVs in their tracks by deflating their tyres.
Land Rovers from as far afield as Edinburgh and Brighton were targeted in the attack by a group going by the name of ‘The Tyre Extinguishers’, letting tyres down and leaving a note of environmental warning on the windscreen.
Car owners in Brighton appear to have been particularly hard hit by the campaigners, with local Sussex Police appealing for video evidence after vehicles in five roads were hit.
“On Tuesday morning (March 8) police received multiple reports from the Brighton area from members of the public who found the tyres on their cars had been deflated,” a statement said.
“It’s thought the vehicles in Balfour Road, The Drive, Lowther Road, Maldon Road and Newells Close were targeted during the early hours of the morning.
“Enquiries are ongoing, and anyone with information or who has video footage from the area which could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to police online or call 101 quoting serial number 111 of 08/03.”
There are worries that many more will be targeted by the group, hard on the heels of motoring chaos caused by the Insulate Britain group. In a statement, Marion Walker from The Tyre Extinguishers, said: “Governments and politicians have failed to protect us from these massive unnecessary vehicles.
“SUVs are a climate disaster, they cause air pollution and are dangerous for other road users. Everyone hates them, apart from the people who drive them.
“Politely asking for climate action, clean air and safer streets has failed. It’s time for action.”
The activists want SUVs to be banned in urban areas and for the larger vehicles to face heavy taxes. Ironically, a vehicle with a flat or partially deflated tyre is likely to be less economical on fuel than one which has tyres at the correct pressure. To further hurt the campaigners’ crusade, they have also targeted some hybrid and EV vehicles.