Residents of Zurich decided Sunday to severely restrict the use of leaf blowers and leaf vacuums.
More than 61% of voters supported the restrictive rules, which authorities said would limit noise and
Gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums will be fully banned in Zurich, Switzerland’s most populous city.
Only electric devices will be used to blow away dirt and debris. This will only be possible from October to December, three months out of the year.
According to authorities, special permission will be required to use the devices at other times, and permission will only be granted under exceptional circumstances.
Supporters of the move complained that leaf blowers and leaf vacuums are loud and spread fine dust, causing both noise and air pollution.
They also claim that the devices are harmful for microorganisms such as bacteria, and recommend using rakes to remove leaves and trash.
Opponents of the ban, however, had said the proposed ban would make life unnecessarily difficult for many people.
They believed the vote was “an expression of a nonsensical and anti-social culture of prohibition.”
Edited by: Darko Janjevic, Dmytro Hubenko
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