Save articles for later
Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.
A group of climate activists who let down the tyres of large vehicles to draw attention to their impact on the environment have struck Melbourne for the second time, this time in the northern suburbs.
About 40 cars were targeted in the attack in Brunswick and Princes Hill overnight.
Brendan Lang has pumped up tyres deflated by climate activists overnight.
The Tyre Extinguishers, who are the same group who let down tyres of dozens of four-wheel drives in Toorak on August 31, claimed responsibility for the action.
Activists left notes on the windscreens of the big cars they targeted explaining the tyres of those particular vehicles were let down because “driving around urban areas in your massive vehicle has huge consequences for others”.
Victoria Police said four-wheel drives and SUVs were targeted on and near Park Street in Brunswick and similar vehicles had their tyres deflated on Paterson, Arnold, Wilson and Richardson streets in Princes Hill.
“Notes were left on the vehicles describing the environmental impact of these types of vehicles,” police said.
One of the cars targeted in Brunswick.
Good samaritan Brendan Lang took his electrical pump to the streets affected to help stranded drivers, leaving his business card for Safelec Electrical Services on the windscreen.
The Tyre Extinguishers describe themselves online as people “from all walks of life with one aim: To make it impossible to own a huge polluting 4×4 in the world’s urban areas”.
News reports show members have attacked cars elsewhere including in the UK, Germany and France. The Toorak incident was thought to be the group’s first in Australia.
The Tyre Extinguishers encourage activists to take up the cause by providing a template for the letter they leave on windscreens in 14 different languages.
The notes left for drivers by the Tyre Extinguishers.Credit: Penny Stephens
The letter reads: “Even if you don’t care about the impacts on people far away from you, perhaps think about the impacts around your neighbourhood.
“SUVs cause more air pollution than smaller cars. SUVs are more likely to kill people than normal sedans in collisions.
“Psychological studies show SUV drivers are more likely to take risks and put others at risk. SUVs just aren’t necessary, especially when most of us live in overcrowded cities.”
The Tyre Extinguishers group has also written about the effects of climate change in the letter. They said emergency action was needed to reduce emissions immediately.
“That’s why we’ve temporarily stopped you driving your SUV. Your tyre isn’t damaged and you will have no difficulty getting around without your gas guzzler.
“Maybe try walking, cycling, or using public transport. Even if you drive a hybrid or electric, these are still polluting, dangerous and cause congestion.
“We hope this inconvenience offers time for reflection on the reality of unfolding climate breakdown.”
Victoria Police’s Merri-bek crime investigation unit attended the northern suburb streets on Wednesday morning and said an ongoing investigation was underway.
Anyone who witnessed anything or with CCTV or other footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
Most Viewed in National
From our partners
Source: Read Full Article
