The London, U.K.-based ‘Tyre Exitnguishers’ are targeting “gas guzzlers,” and want to eliminate SUVs from downtown areas
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Its flat-out rude to damage someone elses property, and theres truly no excuse for it. Unfortunately in parts of London, England, the vigilante group Tyre Extinguishers see it differently.
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In early March, the group rolled through the areas of Chelsea, Chiswick, Notting Hill, and Belgravia and deflated one or more tires of several SUVs parked there overnight.
Why? A letter left on victimized vehicles reads SUVs and 4X4s are a disaster for our climate. SUVs are the second-largest cause of the global rise in carbon dioxide emissions in the past decade.
It goes on to say Were taking actions into our own hands because our governments and politicians will not. And while Im all for helping take care of the environment, I will note selfishly damaging someones mode of transport may not be the best route.
While the letters and actions are clearly targeting SUVs, gas guzzlers, and 4X4s, the last line of the letter says Driving a hybrid or electric? These are still polluting, dangerous and cause congestion. Effectively, the group seems to want to eliminate all vehicles from London and its surrounding areas.
In a statement published by the BBC, the group said it wanted to see bans on SUVs in urban areas; pollution levies to tax SUVs out of existence; and more investment in public transport. If thats what they want, they should buckle up for a helluva long drive, as its unlikely the auto industry will simply pull over.
The group may apparently upshift from this first stunt, as its a part of a planned series of protests.