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West Yorkshire Police trials world's first nitrous oxide breathalyser

Tuesday, 13 October 2026 09:25

The device has been developed by Respira Technologies and measures the amount of nitrous oxide particles per million in a breath sample.

West Yorkshire Police is taking part in trials of what is believed to be the world's first roadside breathalyser for detecting nitrous oxide.

Officers in the Bradford district have spent the past two weeks testing whether the technology can detect the Class C drug through a driver's breath.

The trial is currently non-enforceable, meaning its results cannot be used to prosecute motorists, but police say successful testing could pave the way for its future use in drug-driving cases.

West Yorkshire Police is one of several forces across the UK taking part, with data being collected to assess the accuracy and functionality of the technology.

The device has been developed by Respira Technologies and measures the amount of nitrous oxide particles per million in a breath sample.

The project is funded by the Office of the Police Chief Scientific Adviser with support from the National Police Chiefs' Council.

Inspector Jodie Scatchard, of Bradford District Police, said:

“This is a massive step forward as part of our commitment to Vision Zero and elimination of road deaths across the county.

“There currently isn’t a device that detects the Class C drug. If this trial is successful, it will no doubt save lives across our roads.

“We are seeing a growing trend in drivers using nitrous oxide behind the wheel and not understanding the harm it can cause.

“We are proud to have been part of a trial to test new and innovative technology which will benefit policing and safeguard people on our roads hopefully in the near future.”

West Yorkshire Police shared a video demonstrating how the device works:

The findings from West Yorkshire and the other forces involved will now contribute to the wider assessment of whether the technology could be used by police in the future.

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