Zurich residents have voted decisively to implement strict new regulations governing the use of leaf blowers and leaf vacuums in Switzerland's largest city. In a public referendum, 61.7 percent of voters supported the restrictive measures that will significantly curtail when and how these machines can be operated. The new rules represent a substantial shift in urban maintenance practices for the city of approximately 450,000 inhabitants.
The regulations impose two key restrictions on leaf blower usage. First, gasoline-powered machines will be completely banned, with only electric devices permitted for operation. Second, the devices may only be used during autumn and early winter months from October through December, effectively ending the year-round practice of using them to remove dirt and debris. Limited exceptions will be allowed for construction work or cleanup following major city events.
Supporters from green and left-leaning political parties successfully argued that leaf blowers create multiple environmental concerns beyond noise pollution. They contended that the machines distribute fine dust particles and bacteria through the air, creating potential health hazards. Additionally, proponents emphasized that restricting usage to specific months would protect the habitat of small creatures that serve as food sources for birds, lizards, and hedgehogs.
Opponents of the measures, including conservative and liberal parties, failed to prevent the restrictions from passing. Critics had characterized the regulations as representing an "unreasonable and antisocial culture of prohibition" in the city's voting materials. They maintained that existing penalties for excessive noise already provided sufficient regulation and that additional prohibitions were unnecessary. Despite these objections, the majority of Zurich voters endorsed the seasonal limitations on leaf blower operations.
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