Sussex MP Norman Baker has unleashed a fresh attack on 4x4 drivers, claiming they intimidate other motorists and pedestrians.

Owners of four-wheel drive vehicles reacted angrily when Mr Baker suggested they should be banned from school runs and supermarket trips last month.

But the Lewes MP has not been deterred from criticising the "status symbol" culture.

He has taken his campaign to the House of Commons, where he has already won the backing of five parliamentary colleagues.

Those in support of his parliamentary Early Day Motion criticising the environmental damage done by 4x4s include West Worthing's Peter Bottomley.

Mr Baker said: "While drivers of 4x4 vehicles may feel safer, other road users often feel intimidated and less safe, particularly cyclists and pedestrians, but also other car users.

"These vehicles, with their poor fuel efficiency, sometimes as low as 20 miles per gallon, large engines and emission levels, leave a significantly greater footprint on the environment than the average car."

His motion calls for car manufacturers to target their marketing campaigns away from parents and inner-city drivers.

Mr Baker, Lib Dem environment spokesman, said they should instead focus on "legitimate and largely-rural uses".

The car manufacturers should not be attempting to create status symbols by targeting the urban jungle and those within it.

Mr Baker, who drives a second-hand 1.6 Rover, last month told how cyclists and pedestrians were often forced up against the wall by four-wheel drives in Lewes.

He said: "Manufacturers have identified there are only so many vehicles they can sell to farmers and others who would legitimately use such vehicles.

"The slogans they are using to sell their vehicles are aimed at urban users. There are real questions whether or not someone needs a two-and-a-half tonne, 22-gallon vehicle to nip down to Tesco's or take the kids to school."

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Trad-ers (SMMT) said the vehicles were becoming an easy target for political opportunists.

SMMT spokesman Al Clarke said: "There is a danger of victimisation here. First it was White Van Man, now it is off-road drivers. Who's next? Sports car owners?

"People have to choose the best way to get around in built-up areas."