Prostitutes in Switzerland will be soon boxed in. The decision was unanimously taken by residents of Zurich, who voted in a referendum to create special “boxes” where streetwalkers will be able to hook up with clients in the outskirts of the city.
Set to be constructed by 2013, the new site will welcome guests from 7pm to 5am. It will be designed to remind of a series of private garages where call girls will be able to “park” with their clients in cars.
Prostitution is legal in Switzerland. The proposed area will, however, get rid of Zurich’s Sihlquai area, where some 60 streetwalkers currently work.
It will cost the authorities about US$2.6 million to create the “pleasure boxes” in Switzerland’s largest city. Annual expenses, estimated to cover the functioning of the site fitted with showers and toilets, could reach up to $300,000.
Sex workers will be able to consult a gynecologist available on site in case of medical problems, as well as turn to volunteers from a women’s group for advice.