Climate Activists Deflate Tyres of ‘Luxury’ Cars in Carbon Emissions Protest

Climate Activists Deflate Tyres of ‘Luxury’ Cars in Carbon Emissions Protest
Undated handout photo issued on Nov. 12, 2021, by Tyred of SUVs of a car with a tyre deflated. (Tyred of SUVs/PA)
11/12/2021
Updated:
11/12/2021

Climate activists have deflated the tyres of “gas-guzzling luxury cars” parked on city streets as part of an action to draw attention to carbon emissions.

A group called “Tyred of SUVs” said the tyres of around 60 4x4s in the west end of Glasgow were deflated in the action, as the Cop26 climate change conference takes place in the city.

Activists placed “climate violation” flyers on the windscreens, which stated: “Your SUV contributes to the second biggest cause of carbon emissions rises in the last decade.

“This is why we have disarmed your car by deflating one or more of its tyres.”

It added: “Action is required from you: Go small. Go public transport.”

Undated handout photo issued on Nov. 12, 2021, by Tyred of SUVs of a leaflet on a car with a tyre deflated. (Tyred of SUVs/PA)
Undated handout photo issued on Nov. 12, 2021, by Tyred of SUVs of a leaflet on a car with a tyre deflated. (Tyred of SUVs/PA)

Some motorists hit by the action on Thursday took to social media to air their frustration.

“To the idiots who did this to my car as I’m trying to get to Paisley High Court this morning, did it ever occur to you that the driver might have to use their vehicle in an emergency? It’s being reported to @PoliceScotland,” Victoria Young wrote on Twitter.

Tyred of SUVs said that no tyres were damaged in the action. It also apologised after a mom said her 1.6-litre engine two-wheel-drive car and her neighbour’s 1.2-litre engine car were both targeted, saying “the mistake may have been due to the fact that more and more non-SUVs are being designed to look like SUVs.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “We are aware of these incidents and there will be increased patrols in the area to provide reassurance to local residents.”

PA contributed to this report.