Noisy gas-powered leaf blowers could become a thing of the past in Switzerland’s Zurich, where citizens are taking part in a referendum on banning their use.

Residents of Zurich will decide Sunday on a proposal aimed at severely restricting the use of leaf blowers and leaf vacuums.

Authorities say the measure would limit noise and dust pollution. If Zurich citizens endorse the proposal in the Sunday referendum, gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums will be fully banned from Switzerland’s most populous city.

Only electric devices will be used to blow away dirt and debris if the proposed measure is passed. And that too only for three months a year — from October to December. Authorities say special permissions will be needed to use the electrical devices at other times, and their use will only be granted under exceptional circumstances.

Supporters of the move complain 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 instead.

Opponents of the ban, however, say the proposed ban would make life unnecessarily difficult for many people.

They believe the vote would be “an expression of a nonsensical and anti-social culture of prohibition.”

Edited by: Darko Janjevic

DW News