‘Several’ SUV cars in north Bristol targeted by climate campaigners, police confirm

Avon and Somerset Police received ‘several reports’ of SUV tyres being deflated in the north Bristol area after climate campaigners took action against the vehicles in the city.

The Tyre Extinguishers campaign group claimed to have taken the air out of hundreds of tyres belonging to SUVs across the country, including Bristol, in its first action as part of a series of protests.

The group say SUVs cause more pollution than ordinary vehicles and are more likely to kill when involved in a collision with a pedestrian.

As well as deflating the tyres, members have also left notes on windscreens for the vehicles stating ‘your gas guzzler kills’.

When approached by BristolWorld, Avon and Somerset Police today confirmed it had received reports of some SUVs being targeted in Bristol.

A spokesperson said: “Yesterday we received several reports from SUV drivers in the North Bristol area informing us they have discovered their vehicle’s tyres had been deflated.

“CCTV and house-to-house enquiries will be carried out to try to identify anyone responsible with tampering with motor vehicles they do not own.

“We’d encourage anyone else who has experienced a similar incident to report it to us.

“We’d ask motorists to be vigilant and we would like to reassure the public that local officers have been made aware and will be carrying out proactive patrols in the area.”

The Tyre Extinguishers group has promised more action against SUVs, while also calling on help from the public.

Its website provides instructions on how to deflate an SUV tyre, describing the tactic as causing inconvenience and expense for owners.

The group said it wants to see a ban on SUVs in urban areas, pollution levies introduced to tax SUVs out of existence, and more investment in public transport.

Explaining the action, Marion Walker from the campaign, 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.”

Have your car tyres been deflated last night? Let us know by emailing the newsdesk at [email protected]