Editorial: Washers not all squeaky clean

Our readers are split on the issue of car windscreen washers - those (mainly) blokes who step up and wash your car window when you're out and about, then ask for money.

While many say they can be intimidating and the practice should be outlawed, others have stepped to their defence.

We reported last week a call for the council to ban windscreen washers outright. Rotorua District Council Traffic Bylaw 2008 makes it a crime to wash, clean or attempt to wash or clean the windows of any vehicle stopped at, or near, any road intersection. And from a safety point of view, that makes a lot of sense.

But window washers can operate as they like at shopping centres and carparks.

Windscreen washer Tihei Rereahau told The Daily Post he was not a criminal and was providing a service to the community.

More than half the comments on the online version of our latest story on the subject are in support of the washers.

Their defenders say "Good on them" for showing initiative in order to make some money.

And they do have a point there.

But the fact that many others have complained of intimidation means some of that money was possibly handed over under duress.

Business owners have also complained about their customers being targeted outside their stores.

And Inspector Ed Van Den Broek of Rotorua police told us they had received complaints about the general demeanour of windscreen washers and window wipers being damaged during the washing process.

One reader has suggested an interesting solution: Provide somewhere for window washers to ply their trade. That way motorists who do want their windows washed can get it done, at a good price I'm sure, and those who don't, won't.

What do you think?

Email editor@dailypost.co.nz, text DP then your message to 021 241 4568, or write to editor, PO Box 1442, Rotorua.