Police today announced a clampdown on revellers taking legal highs such as nitrous oxide at a popular south London nightspot.
A 'dispersal zone' covering large swathes of Vauxhall gives greater powers to police to move people on if they are involved in anti-social behaviour.
It comes after neighbours complained of large groups of people taking nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, as they leave nightclubs in the area.
Councillor Jane Edbrooke, cabinet member for neighbourhoods at Lambeth Council, said: “We are seeing groups of people leaving nightclubs and then congregating in the area, around spots that include the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens.
“Many appear to be taking the legal high nitrous oxide, and then have their own little parties around cars with the stereos turned up to play loud music. We are working closely with Lambeth police on discouraging this anti-social behaviour. We want Vauxhall to be a safe place for residents and visitors.”
Inspector Neil Cochlin said: “Officers will also have the discretionary power to return young people home who are under 16 years of age and are on the streets not under the control of an adult after 9pm.
"We will be monitoring the use of the dispersal zone over the next six months to ensure it remains effective. Vauxhall is a great place to live, work and travel through. It is the intention the police and all our partners that this remains the case."
