COUNCIL bosses have been urged to write to Government to push for tougher legislation to deal with laughing gas.
The call came after police told a committee of councillors that it was difficult to clamp down on use of the gas in Bradford – as it was not illegal to possess.
Nitrous Oxide, or laughing gas, has become an increasingly popular “legal high” in recent years.
The gas is sold in cannisters, and often inhaled from balloons. It produces a feeling of calmness and euphoria, but can seriously effect reaction time. It can also lead to health problems.
Empty cannisters of the gas have become an increasingly common sight at roadsides and in car parks, and there have been fears that some users get behind the wheel after inhaling the drug.
At a meeting of Bradford Council’s Bradford South Area Committee on Thursday evening, members were given an update on crime in the Constituency.
Councillor Joanne Dodds (Lab, Great Horton) asked: “Is there any work being done to deal with Nitrous Oxide use?
“We have people parking up, using it and driving away.
“We’ve had a few incidents in the area, such as cars going through walls. Is there any work ongoing to look at this issue?”
Inspector Andy Thornton of Bradford's South Neighbourhood Policing Team said a major issue was the fact that it was not illegal to possess Nitrous Oxide.
It was also not illegal to sell the gas – which is also used for coffee machines and cream chargers.
It is illegal, however, to sell the gas as a legal high.
Assistant area coordinator Michael Churley said although the law did tie the hands of police, there were some powers that could be used to deal with the issue.
A public space protection order to tackle anti-social vehicle use was introduced across Bradford several years ago.
It allows police or Council wardens to fine motorists who act in an anti-social manner, even if their driving does not break the law.
Mr Churley said: “The positive is we do have the PSPOs, and we have given some fines. These PSPOs can be used against any anti-social use of a vehicle.”
Cllr Dodds replied: “Maybe this is something we should be lobbying Government to change on a national level?”
The Committee voted to ask the Council Leader and Chief Executive to contact the Home Office to ask them to “review the legal status of the possession of Nitrous Oxide due to the problems caused across the District.”
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