Dozens of SUV tyres deflated with lentils across South London in night of global environmental protest
Around a dozen SUVs had tyres deflated last night in a global act of protest against the environmental impact the vehicles have.
SUVs between Clapham and Wandsworth Common were targeted by environmental activists Tyre Extinguishers, who used lentils to let down the tyres.
One activist, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Last night I deflated the tyres of about a dozen SUVs between Clapham and Wandsworth Common using nothing but green lentils.
“It was part of a global night of action by the Tyre Extinguishers across 16 countries.
“The Tyre Extinguishers are people from all walks of life with one aim: To make it impossible to own a huge polluting 4×4 in the world’s urban areas.
“We are defending ourselves against climate change, air pollution and unsafe drivers.”
The gas-guzzling vehicles were also targeted in Scotland, Germany, USA, Switzerland and France.
The Tyre Extinguishers want to see bans on SUVs in urban areas, pollution levies to tax SUVs out of existence and massive investment in free, comprehensive public transport.
The unnamed activist added: “We 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.
“We’re taking this action because governments and politicians have failed to protect us from these huge vehicles. Everyone hates them, apart from the people who drive them.
“We want to live in towns and cities with clean air and safe streets. Politely asking and protesting for these things has failed.”
Marion Walker, a Tyre Extinguishers spokeswoman, said: “We want to show that anyone, everywhere, can take climate action to end the dominance of massive cars in the world’s cities.
“All they need is a leaflet and a lentil. Our movement will continue to grow – once the idea is out there, it can’t be stopped.”
Pictured top: An SUV in Clapham with tyre deflated (Picture: Tyre Extinguishers)
