A CAMPAIGN group said it has deflated dozens more SUV car tyres in the city as a message to politicians.

Brighton Tyre Extinguishers said 50 vehicles on Hove seafront had been “disarmed” in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The group said that politicians have not taken action to prevent people from owning large vehicles.

SUVs are controversial as they produce larger amounts of carbon dioxide than smaller cars.

Rachel Khar, spokeswoman for Brighton Tyre Extinguishers, said: "Brighton's politicians claim to be progressive and have promised to take action on the climate crisis, on air pollution and on road safety.

“But our city's public transport is terrible, our roads choked with cars and our air polluted.

The Argus: Car tyres deflated in Preston Park, BrightonCar tyres deflated in Preston Park, Brighton

“We're taking action because our politicians haven't got the guts to make the changes that we need. Our message to them is: Take real action, or we'll take it for you."

Sussex Police launched an investigation last month, after claims that tyres of 250 vehicles had been deflated in Brighton and Hove in a single night.

Brighton Tyre Extinguishers said its mission is to make it “impossible” to own an SUV in urban areas, going so far as to call them “death machines”.

“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,” said Rachel.

“But until politicians make this a reality, Tyre Extinguishers’ action will continue.”

The group has a tyre deflating how-to guide on its website, where it also advertises that it has “no leader” and that “anyone can sign up”.

 

But SUV owners are becoming increasingly frustrated with finding their vehicles undrivable.

Inspector Nicky Stuart from Brighton and Hove’s neighbourhood policing team said: “We understand the impact these crimes have on the community, and I would like to reassure the public that our officers are working hard to catch those responsible.

“We are exploring several lines of enquiry, but as always the public are our eyes and ears.”

The group has branches in many cities, including Liverpool, Manchester and Edinburgh, as well as overseas.