While stopped at busy traffic lights or parked in a carpark someone armed with a wet, soapy squeegee jumps out in front of you and furiously cleans your windscreen. You then hand them a coin or two before the lights turn green, or that's the plan.
Sounds fair enough. No one is getting hurt and, as the argument goes, they are simply trying to make some money while providing a service.
For many the problem comes about when the washers persist in washing your windscreen despite being told no thanks, or given a shake of the head.
The anxiety levels go up a little as you helplessly watch them waste precious seconds on your car when you have no intention of giving them any money.
Nothing gets Kiwis' backs up like feeling pressured into paying for something they didn't want or need in the first place - it's why we insist on shooing porters away and carrying our own bags into our hotel rooms.
Yet I have never been abused or bullied into giving money and have never felt intimidated or frightened, as police and councillors say others have. Despite that I admit I'm in the 'it's annoying' camp.
So what's the solution? The proposed bylaw changes seems wide-reaching and open to interpretation. What is a commendable act of entrepreneurship to some is an intimidating nuisance to others - as the online reaction to yesterday's story showed.
What we need is a way to get everyone on the same page. A double honk for 'yes please' and silence for 'no thanks'? No wasted soap suds for the washers, no uncomfortable head shaking for drivers. If you have a better idea, which I sincerely hope you do, please share your feedback with the council.
