Greater Manchester Police has launched a month-long crackdown on the “Fatal 4” driving offences as officers report rising incidents involving nitrous oxide use behind the wheel.

The Roads Policing Unit is targeting drink and drug driving, mobile phone distraction, speeding and seatbelt violations throughout April. Chief Inspector Michael Parker revealed that nitrous oxide, banned as a Class C drug in November 2023, has emerged as a growing factor in traffic incidents across the region.

“Driving under the influence is the second biggest cause of casualties and people killed or seriously injured,” Parker said. “Being under the influence of drink or drugs when behind the wheel can severely impair your capability to drive and puts lives at serious risk.”

The gas, commonly known as ‘laughing gas’, produces euphoria, relaxation, dizziness and impaired judgement. Officers report these effects significantly degrade reaction times and driving performance, particularly when drivers face unexpected hazards.

Latest figures show 436 drink and drug driving arrests were made in February 2025, a 6% decrease from January. The 577 incidents recorded that month represented an 18% drop from January and a 15% reduction compared to February 2024.

“Our proactive approach to keeping the roads safe is working as it can be evidenced that we have seen a 4% decrease in traffic related incidents across Greater Manchester over the last 12 months,” Parker added. “The consequences of drink and drug driving outweigh the risk of trying to get away with it, which includes substantial fines, driving bans and jail sentences.”

The force continues working towards Vision Zero, an initiative aiming to eliminate road deaths and life-changing injuries by 2040.

---

Source: Read original article