Eco-vandals who deflated tyres on 20 cars across Dundee overnight as part of a campaign against SUVs have been branded “misguided dafties”.
The environmental group Tyre Extinguishers deflated the tyres of 20 vehicles in the City Quay and Broughty Ferry areas overnight on Monday.
The damage is part of an ongoing campaign by group, who aim to “disarm SUVs” due which they say cause “unnecessary and dangerous luxury emissions”.
Dundee has been a frequent target of the group, with the local branch – named the Dundeeflators – using 3D-printed valve caps or lentils to deflate the tyres.
‘Intolerant and misguided tyre-deflating dafties’
The action sparked condemnation from both local residents and politicians, with one MSP labelling the perpetrators “intolerant and misguided dafties”.
Russell Findlay, deputy spokesperson on community safety for the Scottish Conservatives, said: “Some drivers of these vehicles rely on them to attend medical appointments while some will work for the NHS and other vital public services.”
“Others simply need them to get to work or get their kids safely to school.
“What these intolerant and misguided tyre-deflating dafties also forget is that it can be more environmentally damaging to replace a vehicle than to keep using the one you already own.”
Residents also speak of concerns
Local residents in the City Quay area also criticised the action, which Tyre Extinguishers says is part of a coordinated global protest again high-carbon vehicles.
The action taken this week was, Tyre Extinguishers say, part a coordinated global action against high-carbon vehicles and warned more action would be taken.
One local resident, Dawn, said: “I haven’t heard anything about the incidents last night but I think it’s unfair.
“What about people who are disabled or are key workers? They need their car.
“We have a smaller car so I don’t think we would be targeted but some people have a genuine reason for having a bigger car.”
Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said it was the responsibility of those in power to deal with the climate crisis, rather than people taking matters into their own hands.
He added: “I think it’s horrible what they are doing, targeting regular people. They should leave it to the authorities to tackle the environment issues, not themselves.”
What are the police doing to stop it?
Police Scotland described the tyre deflating as “reckless” and “dangerous” and urged drivers to check their cars for any damage before they set off on their journey.
Chief Inspector Ross Fitzgerald said: “This is a reckless and potentially dangerous act which could put drivers and road users at risk.
“Inquiries are ongoing to establish who is responsible and we would encourage members of the public to call us immediately if they see anyone acting suspiciously near to parked vehicles.
“I would also urge all drivers to check their vehicle before setting off and to contact the police on 101 should they suspect their vehicle has been tampered with.”
