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Wellington’s illegal window washers are once again at the centre of controversy after an incident saw cars crash and suffer damage in the city.
According to a report from Stuff, a motorist, Raj Narayanan, was hit from behind after he hit his brakes suddenly to avoid hitting a washer who allegedly dashed through moving traffic at the intersection of Karo Dr (State Highway 1) and Willis St.
A police spokeswoman told Stuff that while window washing was illegal, officers have discretion on whether or not to enforce penalties and that they will only act if the situation is deemed to be unsafe. Roadside window washing was made illegal under the Land Transport Amendment Act in August, enabling police to issue a $150 fine to offenders, the report said.
Despite this, Wellington City Council reportedly receives a “steady stream of complaints from drivers” – about one or two a week.
“The issue came up every year or two but there was not a lot the council could do because it did not deal with ‘moving traffic offences’,” Wellington City Council spokesman Richard MacLean told the publication. “If the window washers are genuinely causing traffic danger, then the police can deal with them, and they have done.”
Insurance Council of New Zealand chief executive Tim Grafton, meanwhile, reportedly said anyone involved in a car accident should take as many photos as possible and contact their insurer straight away.
Insurance companies generally weigh up police reports when assessing liability, Grafton added.
The publication said the driver of the damaged vehicle believes there is a wider problem.
“It’s not just me but thousands of other drivers who these guys are bothering, because they can be quite aggressive,” Narayanan told Stuff. “This is about the safety of drivers. If a car hits a pedestrian, normally the car driver gets blamed, irrespective of what happens, unless proved otherwise.”
Narayanan has lodged a claim with his insurer but details on whether he would need to pay for the damage remain unclear, the report added.
