Peterborough City Council has unanimously approved a motion to address the city’s rising problem of discarded and misused nitrous oxide, promising a mixture of public information, stronger enforcement and engagement with legitimate retailers.
Council action after community concerns
The motion, proposed by Independent councillor Ishfaq Hussain and seconded by Conservative councillor Javed Akhtar, follows repeated reports from local litter‑picking groups about canisters being left at hotspots across the city. Volunteers from the Peterborough Litter Wombles, for example, collected 82 canisters along with dozens of sacks of rubbish during a single clear‑up in the east of the city.
What the council has asked for
Councillors called on officers to work alongside Cambridgeshire Police, the council’s licensing team and community groups to develop an awareness campaign setting out the dangers and legalities associated with nitrous oxide. The motion also requests engagement with retailers who legitimately sell the gas so that they adopt responsible practices.
"the health risks and legal consequences of possession and supply"
The council wants retail measures to include improved staff awareness, age verification where appropriate, refusal of suspicious sales and the keeping of records of commercial purchases where lawful.
Enforcement picture locally
Cambridgeshire Police said officers had disposed of 972 canisters in the previous 12 months and noted an increase in the number of larger canisters being discarded. The council motion asked the leader to lobby government for stronger national measures and enforcement to tackle illegal supply and use.
- Motion passed unanimously by city councillors
- Community groups reporting regular finds of canisters
- Council to coordinate education, enforcement and retailer engagement
The decision places Peterborough among local authorities seeking to reduce litter, protect public health and restrict unlawful recreational use of a substance that despite legitimate commercial uses has become a nuisance and safety concern. The council will now move to draw up a coordinated response with partner agencies and local groups, while representatives aim to press for stronger national action.
| Item | Number reported |
|---|---|
| Canisters collected by Litter Wombles (single clear‑up) | 82 |
| Canisters disposed of by Cambridgeshire Police (12 months) | 972 |
Local residents concerned about nitrous oxide misuse or who have information about supply and litter hotspots are encouraged to contact their ward councillors or Cambridgeshire Police. The council's motion indicates further practical measures will be developed as part of a co‑ordinated local response.
