ENVIRONEMNTAL activists responsible for deflating car tyres across the city say they plan to target 10,000 SUVs by the end of the year.

The Tyre Extinguishers said supporters have taken action in cities across the country in an attempt to “make it impossible” to own the vehicles in urban areas.

The group has now said it plans to target 10,000 SUVs before the end of the year.

The Argus: Tyre Extinguishers took action across Brighton and Hove this weekTyre Extinguishers took action across Brighton and Hove this week

It says that so far this year, it has deflated tyres on around 3,000 vehicles.

Hundreds of drivers in Brighton and Hove woke up on Tuesday morning to find their cars have been targeted by the activists in the latest round of “escalating” action.

Half a dozen vehicles in Dawson Terrace, Brighton, were among the vehicles to have their tyres deflated.

Police have launched an investigation into the action. 

Motorists reported having leaflets stating “your gas guzzler kills” placed on their windscreen.

The Tyre Extinguishers describe SUVs as “a climate disaster”, “dangerous” and “unnecessary”.

SUVs have elements of standard cars but are larger and have off-road capabilities such as high ground clearance.

Petrol and diesel-powered models are generally less fuel-efficient than other cars.

The group encourages people to take action by reading instructions on how to deflate tyres on its website.

People can also print off leaflets to leave on the windscreen of affected vehicles to inform drivers what has happened.

Activists are urged to avoid SUVs “clearly used” by people with disabilities or by tradespeople.

The group first took action in March and has declared Brighton and Hove the most “extinguished city”.

Similar groups have started forming in Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, The Netherlands, the United States of America and New Zealand.

Marion Walker, spokesman for the Tyre Extinguishers said: "It's exciting to see how fast the campaign is spreading.

“Anyone can join in where they are. We want to see SUVs put in the dustbin of history, and this is the fastest way to do it."

The groups have announced plans to continue the action until they see "bans on SUVs in urban areas, pollution levies to tax SUVs out of existence, and massive investment in free, comprehensive public transport".