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Tower Hamlets campaign to tackle nitrous oxide use (8 August 2017)

Date: 08/08/2017
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Tower Hamlets campaign to tackle nitrous oxide use

Tower Hamlets Council in east London has launched a campaign called No Laughing Matter to highlight the risks of inhaling nitrous oxide as a recreational drug.

Tower Hamlets Council, Tower Hamlets Police and Tower Hamlets Homes hope the campaign will help tackle some of the problems caused by nitrous oxide.

The move follows complaints from residents that antisocial behaviour linked to the taking of nitrous oxide – known as laughing gas – has become a significant concern, particularly on housing estates.

Residents say that it can be intimidating to see groups of people taking it and the gas also causes noise nuisance. There is also a litter problem because small metal canisters containing it are often left on the street.

The police have also received reports of people taking nitrous oxide while behind the wheel of a car.

As part of the campaign, the partners are educating people about what the substance is and the risks to health – and are urging residents to report traders selling nitrous oxide for human consumption, so they can be tackled by Trading Standards and the police.

The campaign organisers will also be providing residents with ways to report discarded canisters, so they can be collected – and will be talking to school children about the dangers of nitrous oxide.

In addition, Tower Hamlets Council is paying for 14 new police officers to patrol the housing estates operated by Tower Hamlets Homes to reduce antisocial behaviour.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets John Biggs said:

“Nitrous oxide has become a significant concern for our residents and across London – it is linked to a variety of antisocial behaviour and we need to do what we can to help.

“No Laughing Matter sets out our commitment with the police and Tower Hamlets Homes to educate people about what it is and its dangers, take action against those selling the gas and clean up the mess it leaves behind.

“By working with residents, traders and our partners, we can be safer together.”


Cabinet Member for community safety Councillor Asma Begum added:

“We will work closely with the police to close down outlets where we know they are selling nitrous oxide to our young people – I want to reassure residents that the canisters that are left on the streets by drug users are unsightly, but harmless.

“We will be stepping up our street cleaning work to remove them as quickly as possible.”


Borough Commander Sue Williams said:

“The police are working together with partners to tackle this issue, which we know is of concern for communities and residents.

“We will be educating young people as to the harmful effects – and we will tackle those outlets that sell nitrous oxide, taking appropriate enforcement action; and drivers who use nitrous oxide while driving will be prosecuted for being unfit. This could mean disqualification and points/fine.”


Although nitrous oxide was previously a legal high, it is now illegal to supply or import nitrous oxide for personal use. Nitrous oxide is used as pain relief during medical procedures such as dental work – it can also be legally bought for use in whipped cream dispensers.

Nitrous oxide can cause dizziness and affect the taker’s judgement – this can put people at risk of hurting themselves. Further research is taking place into long-term effects, with some health conditions and deaths linked to its use.

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