Switzerland Launches ‘Sex Drive-Ins’ To Reduce Street Prostitution

In an attempt to make prostitution “safer” Zurich, Switzerland has launched “sex dive-ins” where the rule is no car, no sex.

According to CNN, the nine garage-style structures, located in Sihlquai, a former industrial zone in the city, are equipped with alarm buttons and guarded by security personnel to ensure the safety of the prostitutes and customers are not allowed to leave the area with the sex workers.

These new “sex drive-ins” are being put in place in order to reduce open street prostitution and to improve security for sex workers.

According to ABC News, prostitution has been legal in Switzerland since 1942.

“Prostitution has escalated in the city,” said Michael Herzig, from the Zurich social services department. “It was done out in the open on the street and men harassed passers-by.

“It was noisy and dirty because men took the prostitutes to a side street and left used condoms on the streets. The drive-ins are more discreet and safer.”

Do these new “sex drive-ins” really make prostitution more discreet? According to ABC News:

“The several dozen sex workers who are expected to make it their new hub will stand along a short road in a small, circular park for clients to choose from and negotiate with.

The park was built in a former industrial area nestled between a rail yard and the fence along a major highway.”

Michael Herzig, who is leading the project, stated that the project is extremely controversial.

“Prostitution is about morals and religion. But we leave these things aside and see it as a business. The humanitarian aspect is more important for us.”

According to CNN, the drive-ins are open daily from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. and can only be accessed by car.

Drivers must follow a clearly marked route to get to the area, where customers and sex workers can discuss the services offered and agree on a price.

The client can then drive into the allocated box, known also as a sex box, where the service is provided.

What do you think of these “sex drive-ins” opening up in Switzerland?

Herzig stated “We are trying to promote the independence and self-determination of the sex workers.”

The “sex drive-ins” also have showers, toilets, a kitchen and washing machines for the women to use, as well as an advice center where they can seek help from social workers. A gynecologist comes in once a week to offer health checkups for the women according to CNN.

[Image via Shutterstock/ Kuzma]