Antwerp makes deflating car tyres punishable

The city of Antwerp will put an end to the debate around whether or not deflating vehicle tyres is an offence. Anyone taking such action from the beginning of October, for example as part of a protest against SUVs, can expect a fine.

In recent months, activists from the international climate activist group The Tyre Extinguishers have carried out several actions in Antwerp. They deflate tyres of parked vehicles, mostly at night, to protest against the presence of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in an urban environment. They say that SUVs consume and emit a lot more than the average car.

Police started an investigation after each of the actions, but there were doubts whether deflating car tyres could be considered vandalism, as no real damage is done.

“To restore public safety and calm, the city will now ensure that deflating the tyres of another person's vehicle without their permission is prohibited and therefore administratively punishable,” the city council announced.

“You keep your hands off other people's property, full stop,” Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever said. “This kind of vandalism is a thorn in the side of ordinary Antwerp citizens. Deflating tyres can also pose serious risks. Suppose a doctor on duty is urgently called to a patient, or a technician is called to deal with a major breakdown.... This is why this provision in the police regulations is very necessary to be able to combat the phenomenon in a firm and targeted manner.”

^{#FlandersNewsService | Action by The Tyre Extinguishers in Berlin, April 2023 © PHOTO IMAGO/JEAN-PHILIPPE LAURENT}