Tower Hamlets Council clears 1.2m used laughing gas canisters off its streets

An estimated 1.2million used laughing gas canisters have been cleared off the streets of Tower Hamlets since a campaign was launched by the council last August.
The aptly named ‘No Laughing Matter’ crusade, which also involves police and social landlords Tower Hamlets Homes, aims to tackle the littering, anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving caused by people under the influence of nitrous oxide – which is illegal to buy for recreational use.
The campaign includes educating people about the perils of using laughing gas and gave residents details on how to report traders selling it illegally.
The council’s CCTV enforcement staff also tipped off the police about drivers suspected of being under influence of laughing gas. Motorists repeatedly caught using laughing gas could face having their cars seized.