World's first laughing gas breathalyser being trialled by UK police forces

"Driving under the influence of nitrous oxide is an emerging threat to the safety of motorists on our roads. Its use can cause unconsciousness and even neurological damage or death from suffocation of the oxygen supply to the brain. Tragically, our officers have already seen deaths connected to drivers who were under the influence of NOS. The innovative device is being tested by our officers to see if it can be used to detect if a driver is under the influence of this harmful drug. If successful, this could lead these motorists to be prosecuted for drug driving offences."

"There is currently no device available that can prove a driver inhaled laughing gas, making prosecution difficult. That is why our forces are leading this testing phase, to break new ground and prove these devices can help save lives on our roads. Nitrous oxide is a growing issue, especially with young drivers who don't understand the harm it can cause,"

"The breathalyser, created by Respira Technologies following research at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, works by the user breathing into the portable device, with the result coming within minutes. It can detect whether a user has inhaled nitrous oxide for up to two hours beforehand."

Roadside trials are underway in southern England using a portable breathalyser designed to detect nitrous oxide (NOS or “hippy crack”) inhalation. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police are testing the device to address an emerging safety threat from motorists driving under the influence of the drug. Unlawful possession of nitrous oxide can carry up to two years in prison. Nitrous oxide use can cause unconsciousness and may lead to neurological damage or death due to reduced oxygen supply to the brain. Officers have reported deaths linked to drivers under the influence of NOS. The device produces results within minutes and can detect inhalation up to two hours beforehand, supporting prosecution where proof is currently difficult.

Read at www.independent.co.uk