Environmental activists attack 4WD’s

The Daily Mail reports on environmental activists carrying out a spate of attacks on 4x4s. Tyres have been let down or slashed, with notes left on motorists' windscreens accusing them of contributing to climate change. The notes say: 'Given the threat of climate change and the government's inaction, direct action such as this is, unfortunately, necessary. Large SUV's emit substantially more greenhouse gases.'

They also state that road accident victims are six times more likely to die if hit by a 4x4 rather than a smaller car, and conclude: 'This is not an attack on you as a person, nor is it an attack on your right to own a car. This is an attack on your choice of car, given the above concerns.'

More than 100 so-called Chelsea Tractors have been targeted in recent weeks in wellheeled suburbs of South Manchester.

The unnamed vigilante group behind the attacks claims to be bringing home to owners the consequences of their choice of car.

The attacks last month saw tyres on 80 off-roaders let down, and police are also investigating the slashing of tyres on 20 others in the same area, popular with students as well as middle-class families.

An activist involved in the attacks, who would give his name only as James, said: 'These vehicles are totally unsuitable for the city. They're dangerous, polluting and an unnecessary status symbol.'

But Detective Inspector Damian Moran, from Greater Manchester Police, said: 'Those responsible might believe they are making a point but this behaviour is criminal. 'It is mindless vandalism with no regard for the distress and nuisance caused to decent members of our community, and will not be tolerated.'
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