Residents of Zurich voted Sunday to ban the use of petrol-fuelled leaf blowers and leaf vacuums over noise and air pollution concerns in public and private spaces.

Switzerland’s system of direct democracy allows citizens to launch referendums if they collect a minimum number of signatures.

Zurich had previously decided to ban petrol-fuelled leaf blowers and leaf vacuum cleaners, which faced criticism for being too loud and spreading dust.

But right-wing parties brought the issue to a vote, hoping to overturn the decision.

Zurich’s residents did not answer their call, with more than 61% in favour of the restriction.

However, leaf blowers and vacuums are not entirely forbidden in the country’s largest city. Electric devices can still be used, but only from October to December.

In the S

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