TWO counties MP Paul Keetch has made a controversial attack on 4x4 drivers - claiming they "intimidate" other motorists and pedestrians.

The Liberal Democrat is backing a Westminster campaign against the environmental damage done by the vehicles.

Mr Keetch said: "While drivers of 4x4 vehicles may feel safer, other road users outside the vehicle 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."

A Parliamentary Early Day Motion signed by Mr Keetch calls for car manufacturers to target their marketing campaigns away from parents and inner-city drivers.

The Hereford MP said they should instead focus on "legitimate and largely rural uses".

But the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (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?" he said.