Dundee climate activists target environmental 'death machines' in deflation attacks on SUVs

Climate activists determined to drive SUVs off Scotland’s roads have claimed responsibility for another wave of “deflation attacks” on vehicles.

The “DunDee-flators”, a splinter group of the self-proclaimed Tyre Extinguishers targeted ten “death machines” in the city on Thursday evening – days after a similar incident in Edinburgh.

Police Scotland said it was investigating after leaflets were left on windshields and tyres had the air let out of them in the Brought Ferry area on May 12.

The organisation has demanded elected officials “take action in climate, air pollution and road safety” by “taxing [the vehicles] out of existence” amid concerns over the effect of their carbon emissions.

Research found UK sales of SUVs – which can contribute up to 25% more CO2 on average than smaller cars – have outstripped those of fully electric vehicles by a factor of 37 to one since 2017.

A spokesperson for the Tyre Extinguishers said they were determined to make it “impossible” to own an SUV in urban areas.

They added: “This can happen anywhere. If you own an SUV, chances are you’re going to wake up soon with lentils in your tyres.

“We won’t stop until these death machines are history.”

Around 30 cars in the Portobello area of the capital came under attack on May 9 following a similar onslaught in the New Town last month.

Activists also targeted similar cars in Glasgow during protests surrounding the COP26 conference in November.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Police are aware a number of vehicles have had tyres deflated and leaflets from an activist group placed on them in the Broughty Ferry area.

“Enquiries are ongoing. Motorists are advised to check vehicles before setting off.

“Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101.“