Edinburgh New Town SUV drivers wake to find vehicles targeted

A group of environmental protestors claim to have targeted around 20 SUVs in the New Town of Edinburgh.

The vandal action saw vehicles at Moray Place sprayed with messages such as 'these cars kill' as well as mock surveys asking the public whether they feel large SUVs should be banned.

Edinburgh's Tyre Extinguishers claimed responsibility for the overnight operation between Sunday November 17 and Monday November 18.

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They argue the large SUVs are not only a danger to small children in urban areas but they are also damaging for the planet at a time when the UN has declared a climate crisis.

But residents have said their street is being continuously targeted with vehicles having tyres slashed on top of being vandalised.

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Police Scotland said they are investigating the various incidents.

"The people who drive these Chelsea tractors have assumed it as their right to dominate our streets and poison our planet," Liam a volunteer with the group said. “SUVs are ruining more than just Edinburgh. If SUVs were a country they’d be the world’s 5th-most polluting.

"As Valencians, Floridians and Brazilians continue to grapple with the cost of this year’s extreme weather, leaders at #COP29 make only dirty deals and empty promises.

"People are dying. We posted memorials of Izan & Rubén Matias, aged five & three, swept out of their father’s arms by Valencian floodwaters.

"Every single two-tonne street tank owner is sending a message they don't care about the damage they're causing. Time to hold them to account.

"If our spineless politicians won’t take meaningful action against emitters, then we will."

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Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton said: “We have received several reports of cars being vandalised in Moray Place, Edinburgh.

“Enquiries are ongoing and we would encourage members of the public to call us immediately if they see anyone acting suspiciously close to parked vehicles.”