A cutting-edge nitrous oxide breathalyser, believed to be the first of its kind in the world, is being trialled by police in Hampshire and the Thames Valley in a ground-breaking trial

The innovative device is being tested by 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 to these motorists to be 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 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, 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.

Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber said: “This pioneering trial represents an important step in keeping roads safe across the Thames Valley.

“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.

“By supporting innovative solutions like this, we are giving officers the tools they need to tackle dangerous driving behaviours. 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.

“I am proud that Thames Valley Police is playing a key role in exploring new ways of improving road safety and protecting our communities.”