Car window washers polarise readers

While many are in favour of window washers such as John Henry, others think they shouldn't have to put up with it. Photo / Tania Whyte

The issue of window washers at traffic lights in central Whangarei has polarised Northern Advocate readers.

On Saturday, the paper featured a story on John Henry, 26, who was making ends meet by washing the windows of cars at the intersection of Kamo Rd and State Highway 1.

When the story was posted on to the Advocate website and Facebook page, people were mostly happy for him to wash their windows, but others had opposite views.

Whangarei District Council had 40 complaints about window washers at traffic lights in 2014. The most common area people complained about was the intersection of State Highway 1 and Rewa Rewa Rd. While it is banned and could result in a $500 fine, the council so far had just moved people on if there complaints.

The story received more than 130 comments on Facebook with roughly one-third of people against window washers and two-thirds of people in support of them.

A common theme in the comments was concerns around safety and the young age of some of the window washers.

Here is what some had to say:

Marcia Wilson: "Dangerous and can be frustrating if the light is green. I thought it was banned."

Roimata Rihari-Wrigley: "Work is work. I will never judge people who are trying to make a buck. They shouldn't have to feel shame."

Aisha Mcgregor: "Depends on their attitude and if they listen when drivers politely say no thanks."

Hayley Angelo: "This dude is awesome ... friendly-as guy and always asks first if you want yr window cleaned ... if you say no he just moves on. Good on him for getting out and doing something."

Alan Martin: "They are breaking the law and should be punished - their behaviour can be quite intimidating."

Ani van Sinten: "I have never witnessed them being rude to anyone?? I say no every single time I go through the gull lights and they happily move on to the next car without any issues ... Some of them are very young though. Can be a bit of a worry on such a busy road."

Cynthia Keay: "Have never witnessed any problem myself. Good on them for showing some initiative."

Anna-Louise Franks: "They could be doing worse elsewhere ... "