Switzerland will launch safe-sex shelters on August 26, in an attempt to regulate prostitution, curb pimping, and improve the overall safety of workers in the sex trade. Authorities in Zurich erected nine garage-style structures, located in a former industrial zone making the area resemble a hybrid drive-thru camping area of sorts.


The Telegraph, says that drivers will have to follow a clearly marked route along which up to 40 prostitutes will be stationed.

Once they have chosen one of the women and negotiated a fee, they will drive into one of the wooden sheds, which are hung with posters advocating the use of condoms and warning of the risk of Aids.

The sex boxes are equipped with alarms which the prostitutes can activate if they feel in danger from a client.

The site is only open to drivers of cars – pedestrians and men on motorbikes are not allowed – and will operate from early evening until 5am each day.


Photo: Steffen Schmidt

"We want to regulate prostitution because until now it was the law of the jungle," said Michael Herzig, from Zurich's social welfare department, when the initiative was announced.

"It was the pimps who decided the prices, for instance. We are trying to reach a situation which is better for the prostitutes themselves, for their health and security and also for people who live in Zurich."

The £1.4 million project was approved by voters in Zurich last year in a referendum.

While prostitution is legal in Switzerland, sex workers have to pay a tax of five Swiss francs (£3.50) each night that they work.