West Yorkshire Police holding increased enforcement on roads

There have been a number of investigations following collisions in West Yorkshire where it has been reported that drivers were inhaling balloons.

It comes after viral social media videos showed fed-up Bradfordians taking the law into their own hands over the city’s “balloon heads”.

Passengers rolled their windows down and were told to hand over all the canisters in their cars.

The crackdown was organised via Snapchat with the user sending a message to “any real men out there that want to go speak to these balloon heads and sort their heads out”.

West Yorkshire Police issued the warning to drivers ahead of a period of increased enforcement over the summer holidays.

A mock traffic accident showed what can happen if drivers inhale laughing gas behind the wheel – it was part of an event in Centenary Square in March 2023 (Image: West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service)

The force will increase enforcement from Monday, August 14 – one week earlier than the National Police Chief’s Council’s summer drink and drug driving enforcement campaign.

Inspector Chris Robinson, of West Yorkshire Police’s roads policing unit, said: “On average, there are over 8,680 serious injury or fatal collisions on our UK roads each year where drivers involved are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“We know people think they’re good drivers and it won’t happen to them, but that’s also what others have thought who have ended up in our cells, in hospital or worse.

“That few pints at a BBQ or in a pub garden will affect you more than you realise, especially if it is a hot day.

“There are reasons why there are legal limits in place, but the reality is that the safest option is to not drink or take drugs at all. If you know you are going to be drinking or taking drugs, you should check public transport options or arrange a lift or taxi.

“It is also important to note the dangers of driving the morning after a night of drinking or taking drugs. 

“Our officers are out day and night patrolling our roads and responding to reports of potential drink or drug drivers.

“An emerging issue that is also being seen is the use of nitrous oxide by motorists. There has been a case elsewhere in the country where its use was linked to a fatal collision.

“Anything that impairs your judgement can be extremely dangerous on our roads and officers will take action if there is a suggestion that someone is putting themselves or others at risk by driving dangerously or without due care and attention.

“We all need to work together to keep our roads safe.”

To report a crime in progress, ring 999. For information about someone you think has committed a drink or drug driving offence, report this online or by calling 101.