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Zurich Voters Approve Leaf Blower Crackdown, Banning Gas Models

City officials frame the move as a public-health step to cut urban noise, with less fine dust in the air.

Overview

  • More than 61% backed the measure in Sunday's citywide referendum.
  • The new rules prohibit gas-powered leaf blowers and vacuums across Zurich.
  • Electric devices may be used only from October to December, with use outside that window allowed solely by special permission.
  • Supporters cited loud operation, fine-dust spread and ecological concerns, urging manual cleanup with rakes.
  • Opponents warned the curbs would make daily life harder, calling the vote an expression of a "nonsensical and anti-social culture of prohibition."