ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners in Edinburgh have claimed responsibility for deflating the tyres of around 20 sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
Edinburgh Tyre Extinguishers targeted the vehicles in Scotland’s capital in the early hours of Sunday morning in a bid to “make it impossible” to own such cars in cities.
They estimate they deflated the tyres on around 200 cars in the city as well as targeting vehicles in Dundee.
A spokesperson said: “We are defending ourselves against climate change, air pollution and unsafe drivers.
“We can do this with a simple tactic: deflating the tyres of these massive, unnecessary vehicles, causing inconvenience for their owners.
“Deflating tyres repeatedly and encouraging others to do the same will turn the minor inconvenience of a flat tyre into a giant obstacle for driving massive killer vehicles around our streets.”
It is understood this is the group’s fifth targeted action in Edinburgh since March.
The group say that SUVs are “unnecessary” in the capital given the availability of public transport.
Across the UK, it is thought they have deflated tyres on around 4000 vehicles in Brighton, Bristol and London.
The spokesperson added: “We’re taking this action because governments and politicians failed to protect us from these huge vehicles.
“Everyone hates them, apart from the people who drive them.”
Police Scotland confirmed they have received several reports of tyres being deflated across the city.
Superintendent Mark Rennie said: “This is a reckless and potentially dangerous act which could put drivers and road users at risk.
“Inquiries are ongoing and we would encourage members of the public to call us immediately if they see anyone acting suspiciously close to parked vehicles.
“I would also urge all drivers to check their vehicle before setting off and to contact the police on 101 should they suspect their vehicle has been tampered with.”
