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Tougher Line to be taken
From Auckland Council – and to be distributed widely please:
Auckland Council is clamping down on window washersâ intimidating behaviour at intersections throughout the city and is targeting repeat offenders.
The council has begun pursuing the prosecution of window washers found to be in breach of the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw. The bylaw, which came into effect six months ago, was designed to protect the public from nuisance but, after taking a graduated enforcement approach, council officers have had to take a harder line.
âWhen the bylaw first came in staff took an educational approach with offenders, focusing on voluntary compliance. However this has not deterred people window washing in an unsafe way, which makes drivers feel uncomfortable and even threatened, so council is taking a tougher line,â says Max Wilde, Manager Bylaws and Compliance.
As the lead agency for enforcement on window washing, council is working closely with the Police to address problem hotspots around the region where there has been a noticeable increase in window washers. As part of a targeted approach to tackle this continuing issue and better protect public safety, an increase in enforcement activity is expected. The court can impose a fine of up to $20,000 on a person convicted of breaching a bylaw under the Local Government Act.
The Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw is in place to make sure public spaces feel safe and are convenient for people to use and enjoy without being disturbed or experiencing offensive behaviour. Auckland Council wants to ensure that residents and visitors to the region can freely drive on public roads and enjoy shopping and other activities in public areas without feeling intimidated or unsafe in any way.
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What to do if you encounter a window washer:
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From Auckland Council:
A region-wide Public Safety and Nuisance bylaw that provides approaches to deal with the safety and enjoyment of Aucklanders in public places takes effect today.
The bylaw refers to nuisances, safety and behaviour such as obstructing use of a public space, the use of mind altering substances, window washing and begging in a way that may intimidate others. It also provides a consistent approach to manage the safety of the public across the region when using places such as streets, parks and beaches and the transport system.
âWe want to promote a safe Auckland and the bylaw gives us the practical means to prevent escalation of low level activities which could lead to more serious offending. Our staff will take a graduated approach when applying the bylaw with voluntary compliance and education being the main focus,â says Max Wilde, Manager Bylaws and Compliance.
The bylaw is in place to make sure public spaces feel safe, clean and are convenient for people to use and enjoy without being disturbed or experiencing offensive behaviour.
Essentially, Auckland Council wants to ensure that residents and visitors to the region can freely enjoy shopping, dining and other activities in public areas without feeling intimidated or unsafe in any way.
A bylaw is only one tool in a suite of approaches taken by the council and agencies to address public safety and behaviour issues in our communities
The bylaw was passed by the Auckland Council and Auckland Transport Board in 2013 after consultation with the public and replaces seven legacy council bylaws relating to public safety and nuisance.
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If that is so with the by-law we might want to start with a bit more bang and have increased random police patrols at all stations and train services from time to time.
Talking Southern Auckland 