Leaf blowers and leaf vacuums are set to be banned in Zurich during most of the year after 61.7 per cent of voters supported a referendum held in Switzerland's largest city.

In an effort to reduce noise, petrol-powered machines will be banned while only electric devices will be permitted.

To limit dust pollution, the practice of using these machines year-round to remove dirt and debris will be stopped.

Leaf blowers will now only be allowed during autumn and early winter, from October to December.

Exceptions will only be made in specific cases, such as for construction work or cleaning up after major events in the city, which has a population of nearly 450,000.

Electoral turnout was 52.8 per cent on Sunday and the leaf blower ban was one of six proposals put to the city's voters.

Gree

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