She recommended that councillors add the change to "make clear that the council is regulating window washing that causes a nuisance in all public places in the district".
Mrs McGregor said it would not make windscreen washing completely illegal, as those involved in the practice "do have to be causing a nuisance or be a safety risk".
Councillors voted to go ahead with a consultation process, along with proposed changes to the council's Signs on Roads Bylaw, at last week's Strategy, Policy and Finance committee meeting. Consultation will end on December 7.
Committee chairwoman Merepeka Raukawa-Tait said while she had never had a problem with windscreen washers she understood many people found them intimidating or even frightening.
"There have been far too many complaints for the council to ignore," she said.
"Some people are very concerned, they feel intimidated and frightened of them if they don't allow them to clean the windscreen. Obviously this is not a pleasant experience for some people."
During the meeting, mayor Steve Chadwick said she was aware of issues with window washers at the Western Heights Shopping Centre that was not covered by the current bylaw, but also wanted central government to enact laws to give councils more power to stop illegal window washers.
Rotorua police could not be reached for specific comment yesterday, however they are obliged to act on complaints of illegal window washing under the council's bylaw.
Windscreen/window washing
* Falls under the Rotorua Lakes Council Traffic Bylaw 2008
* Currently restricts windscreen washers from working "at or near any road intersection".
* Proposal to extend the bylaw to windscreen washing that "causes a nuisance, or is unsafe, or causing an obstruction to traffic in all public places in the district".
* Public consultation ends December 7
