Successful first UK pilot study for our nitrous oxide breath testing devices
- Jul 20
- 3 min read
Between April and mid June 2026, Respira worked with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police to evaluate our nitrous oxide detection technology in real policing environments. The project was supported by the UK Police Test & Learn Fund. It marked an important step in the development of practical roadside screening for nitrous oxide use.
During the pilot, there was a test phase, in which police officers tested our handheld and evidential devices. And there was a learning phase, in which we collected feedback from the officers and learned about what they would need for optimal usage of the device.
Testing the devices in real world conditions
The Respira team travelled to the UK from 11 to 14 May. During this week, the team provided demonstrations and training sessions, supporting officers before they use the devices during operational activities. Additionally, there was a road side testing trial, so they can use the devices in real world settings. Road users were stopped by the police and invited to participate in testing on a voluntary basis. This continued for 4 weeks in total. In these 4 weeks, the devices were also used in connection with the isle of white festival, allowing officers to gain experience with the technology in different operational settings.
Positive feedback
Initial feedback from officers was positive. They found the devices intuitive and easy to use and the measurement process was considered fast. Working directly with roads policing officers also provided Respira with detailed feedback on how the technology could be adapted to fit operational and regulatory requirements. This input has been valuable in refining the devices and preparing them for broader trials and future implementation. The findings from the project will be included in a report for the participating police forces. As this was an initial validation study, further research will be needed before conclusions can be drawn about wider deployment. However, the results and operational feedback received so far have been encouraging.
Interest from other police regions
Following the positive response to the initial project, testing has continued in Liverpool. Alongside the continuation of this project, there are other validation studies planned for the upcoming period. These next studies will allow Respira to evaluate the devices in more locations and under a wider range of operational conditions. They will also provide further data on usability, performance and the role that nitrous oxide breath testing could play in future road traffic enforcement. The project also gained a lot of media attention. A few articles are linked below the article.
From technical development to practical use
This first UK police pilot was a major milestone for Respira. It was our first opportunity to evaluate both devices in close cooperation with UK police forces and in the environments where the technology could eventually be used. The project was not only about testing a new device. It was about understanding what police officers need from a practical screening tool and how nitrous oxide breath testing could support safer roads.
We would like to thank Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police for their cooperation, knowledge, trust in our product and operational feedback throughout the project. We welcome conversations with police forces, research organisations and other partners interested in supporting the further validation and implementation of nitrous oxide breath testing technology.
A selection of media that mentioned us:
World's first laughing gas breathalyser trialled in the South - BBC News
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