Climate change activists deflated the tires of at least 15 SUVs in an affluent area of Melbourne.
The Tire Extinguishers group left messages on the windshields of vehicles in Toorak, claiming that “gas guzzlers” are contributing to environmental damage while encouraging owners to consider using public transport as an alternative.
The group confirmed on Friday that “concerned citizens” had taken action to “disarm” vehicles in Melbourne “as part of the first action in a new wave of climate protest in Australia”.
“Tire Extinguishers are a new movement springing up around the world, encouraging people to take action against urban SUVs,” the statement read.
“The Tire Extinguishers are a leaderless group where citizens take action in their area using a website to learn how to deflate tires and print a leaflet to leave at the SUV to let the owner know what happened, to their safety.
Victoria Police are currently investigating the incident.
Climate change activists deflated the tires of “hundreds” of SUVs in an affluent area of Melbourne overnight.
“At least 10 4×4 and sport utility vehicles in the vicinity of Tintern Avenue were tampered with,” a police spokeswoman said.
“Notes were also left on the vehicles describing the environmental impact of these types of vehicles. The investigation is ongoing.
A concerned owner purchased their new vehicle just three days ago.
“I’m angry, disappointed, annoyed…I tried to get to work early and well and then it happened,” the man told 3AW.
“When I first read the note I laughed and said ‘you’re kidding me.
“They take more time, energy and pollution to print them, and waste people’s time and energy.”
The note left on the windshields read: “WARNING, your gas user kills”.
“We have deflated one or more of your tires,” the note read.
“You’ll be mad, but just take a minute to think about why your car is such a big deal.
“Automakers try to convince you that we need massive cars, but we don’t. Driving in urban areas with your huge vehicle has huge consequences for others.
“SUVs and 4x4s are also a disaster for our climate. SUVs are the second biggest contributor to the global increase in carbon dioxide emissions over the past decade, more than the entire aviation industry.
“Even if you don’t care about the impacts on people far away from your home, maybe think about the impacts around your neighborhood. SUVs pollute the air much more than small cars.
“SUVs are more likely to kill people than normal sedans in collisions. Psychological studies show that SUV drivers are more likely to take risks and put others at risk. SUVs are simply not necessary, especially when most of us live in crowded cities.
“The world is facing a climate emergency. According to scientists and the United Nations, millions of people are already dying from the consequences of global warming: droughts, fires, hurricanes, floods, forced migrations and famine.
“Even though the impacts on you so far have probably been minimal, every day millions of people are directly affected. Urgent action is needed to reduce emissions immediately.
“That’s why we have temporarily banned you from driving your SUV. Your tire is undamaged and you will have no trouble getting around without your gas guzzler. Maybe try walking, cycling, or using public transportation.
Tire Extinguishers said the group was taking action because SUVs were a ‘climate disaster’
Tire Extinguishers said the group was taking action because SUVs were a “climate disaster”.
“If SUV drivers were a country, they would be the sixth polluting country in the world,” he said.
“The Tire Squeezers want to see SUV bans in urban areas, pollution taxes to tax SUVs and massive investment in free and comprehensive public transport.
“But until politicians make this a reality, the tire extinguisher action will continue. We don’t have a leader: anyone can participate, wherever you are.
Police are urging witnesses or anyone with CCTV or other footage to contact Crime Stoppers.
It comes weeks after members of the group damaged the tires of at least 60 SUVs at a car dealership in the UK.
They justified their actions in response to the tragic deaths of two eight-year-old schoolgirls. The girls lost their lives when a woman, while driving her Land Rover, slammed into a fence and entered their school in south-west London on July 6.
“This act of retaliation is intended as a peaceful and non-violent protest aimed at drawing attention to the presence of grossly inappropriate private vehicles in our cities,” the activists said.
“Tyre Extinguishers strongly believe that their action is a necessary escalation in an attempt to stop these vehicles from destroying more life and continuing to push the worsening climate crisis to the edge of the cliff.”
