- The world's first roadside breathalyser designed to detect laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is currently undergoing trials with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police.
- The device aims to address the “emerging threat” of motorists driving under the influence of nitrous oxide, which is a Class C drug whose unlawful possession can lead to a two-year prison sentence.
- Nitrous oxide use poses significant health risks, including unconsciousness, neurological damage, or death, and has been tragically linked to fatal road accidents.
- Developed by Respira Technologies, the portable breathalyser can detect nitrous oxide inhalation for up to two hours, providing results within minutes.
- Police forces are leading this testing phase to overcome the current challenges in prosecuting drivers for inhaling laughing gas, with the potential for wider national deployment of the technology.
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