A campaign to drive big cars off the road has reached top gear as environmentalists try to fight pollution.

Activists, who want to see four-wheel drive cars banned from the roads, have slapped fake parking tickets on cars telling them why they believe they are bad for the environment.

The group, led by Brighton Green Party councillor Keith Taylor, set up a stall in Sydney Street, Brighton, to hand out information on their campaign.

They sent out the fake wardens to put the tickets, which closely resembled genuine parking fines, on big cars all over Brighton.

Coun Taylor said: "This campaign is not anti-car or anti-motorist, it is only against the use of four-wheel drive vehicles within cities like ours.

"Big four by fours put other road users, including other car drivers, at risk and it is in everyone's interest for their usage to be reduced."

Activists from the National Alliance Against Urban four by fours (NAAU) also took part in the stunt.

Those involved are calling for higher road taxes on four by four users, higher parking permit fees and a ban on four by four advertising.

Will Harley, NAAU founder, said: "Most four by four owners don't aim to be selfish but they don't realise the impact these vehicles have or how widely they are resented and ridiculed."