For 16-year-old Brady, windscreen washing is a lucrative trade.

He can earn up to $150 in just a few hours and once made $375 in a single day.

He may find this more difficult in the future as WA Police are cracking down on roadside window washing.

The teenager said he travelled more than an hour on buses to the intersection of Roberts Road and Thomas Street in Subiaco because it is known as a windscreen-washing gold mine.

“The reason I do it is because I’ve nothing else to do during my days,” Brady said. “I used to do crime to get money but then my mate showed me this and it stops me getting into trouble.”

Brady took up windscreen washing two years ago when he was living on the street. He has returned home to live with his parents but does not attend school and has continued windscreen washing to earn money.

“I’m doing it to help myself and my family,” he said.

Camera Icon A youth washes car windscreens at traffic lights on Roberts Road in Subiaco. Credit: Nic Ellis

“Mum lets me do it because I will split the money with her.

“This spot is good because it is a one-way road. No other cars can come the other way and there is less chance that we will get hit.”

“I come here because it is the city, there is more traffic and there will always be traffic banking up.”

Brady admits it can be confronting for some motorists. “I don’t blame them for that, it is fair enough because it is some random person coming up to your window without asking,” he said.

“But I’m not intending to hurt anyone, I’m just trying to make some money.”

“If I’ve ever put it on without asking I apologise for it.

“Some people are really nice but then some do get really aggressive.

“There have been a few times where I have been assaulted.”

Despite this, Brady also has some loyal customers at the Subiaco intersection.

“I do have my own personal customers,” he said.

“I have like five who when they finish work and stuff they always call me over.

“If I am with mates washing they always tell them to call me over.”

The teenager accepts not all windscreen washers do the right thing and some use their earnings to buy drugs.

But he said he always tried to be respectful.

“The police don’t like us, I don’t blame them, they are looking out for people’s safety,” he said.

“As soon as I can get a good enough every day job I probably won’t be doing it.

“It’s just hard at the moment because I am young.”