World’s first ‘laughing gas’ breathalyser being tested in ground-breaking trial in Thames Valley

The cutting-edge device is being tested to see if it can accurately detect if a driver is under the influence of the harmful drug. If successful, this could lead to offending motorists being prosecuted for drug driving offences.

Nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’ or NOS, is a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and offenders could serve up to two years in prison for possessing it for unlawful use.

Driving under the influence of nitrous oxide has become a growing 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, officers have already seen deaths connected to drivers who were under the influence of NOS.

In one of these cases, three teenage boys were killed when they were passengers in a car that crashed into a tree along the A415 in Oxfordshire in 2023. The 18-year-old driver was filmed inhaling laughing gas behind the wheel just moments before the crash.

Thomas Johnson was travelling at speeds of up to 100mph before his car hit a tree in the village of Marcham, killing passengers Ethan Goddard, Daniel Hancock, both 18, and Elliot Pullen, 17.

Acting Superintendent Emma Hart, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police, said: “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.

"It’s an extremely important technological innovation and we are at the forefront of this cutting-edge research for the benefit of all UK policing.”

A user can simply breathe out into the portable device and receive a test result within minutes. Crucially, it can detect if a user has inhaled nitrous oxide up to two hours afterwards.

The innovative device was created by Respira Technologies following research at the Vrije Universteit Amsterdam.

Test and Learn funding was secured through the National Science and Innovation Board, part of the NPCC Science and Technology Strategy.

The funding pot is available for police in the UK to access the latest advances in science and technology. Officers across Hampshire and the Thames Valley will be testing the device up until June 5.

Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber added: "The misuse of nitrous oxide, particularly amongst younger drivers, is an increasing concern, and until now it has been difficult for officers to evidence its use at the roadside.

“Too many lives have already been lost due to reckless decisions behind the wheel, and this technology has the potential to help prevent further tragedies.