Clampdown On ‘Laughing Gas’ Set To Start This Autumn

New legislation aimed at tackling the increasing use of so-called ‘laughing gas’ across Harborough is set to come into force this autumn.

It will ban the use of psychoactive substances like nitrous oxide in public places and give Police powers to seize them, and arrest people who don’t comply.

As well as being a health hazard to those who inhale it to get an instant ‘high,’ the small silver canisters the gas is contained within, have been causing litter problems across the area.

Harborough District Council will introduce the new Public Place Protection Order after overwhelming support during a public consultation.

125 responses were received, with 84% of people backing the move.

Because nitrous oxide has legitimate uses and is not illegal to possess, dealing with the issue has been proving difficult for Police.

Canisters found by Police in Market Harborough