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.

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