West Yorkshire police are trialling a roadside breath test designed to detect nitrous oxide in drivers.
Bradford officers have been using the device for two weeks.
Believed to be the first of its kind, the test cannot currently be used to enforce the law but could support future drug-driving prosecutions if successful.
'This is a massive step forward'
Inspector Jodie Scatchard, of Bradford District Police, said: "This is a massive step forward as part of our commitment to Vision Zero and the elimination of road deaths across the county.
A screengrab from a video supplied by WYP. (Image: WYP)
"There currently isn’t a device that detects the Class C drug.
"If this trial is successful, it will no doubt save lives on 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 testing new technology which will benefit policing and safeguard people on our roads in the near future."
How does the trial work?
The device, developed by Respira Technologies, measures the concentration of nitrous oxide in a breath sample, in parts per million (ppm).
The project is funded by the Office of the Police Chief Scientific Advisor and supported by the National Police Chiefs Council.
West Yorkshire Police is one of several forces taking part, collecting data on the device’s accuracy and performance.
'It needs to be tried and tested'
Sharat Hussain, a youth worker at Mary Magdalene CiC, welcomes the trial.
The organisation was founded in 2016 to guide boys and young men towards a better path.
He has long campaigned for a crackdown on nitrous oxide use and better support for people struggling with addiction.
Mr Hussain told the T&A: "It needs to be tried and tested, it's a new concept."
The Bradford youth worker wants to see how the device works in practice, claiming nitrous oxide leaves the body within about 30 seconds.
He says laughing-gas use is a serious problem and regularly sees drivers speeding while using the recreational drug.
He added: "They look like they're auditioning for Fast and Furious."