They block traffic, are abusive to drivers, and causes inconveniences to pedestrians. They are the "squeegee men," and like in New York, they are soon to be outlawed in Florence, Italy.

The squeegee men - the people who wash drivers' windshields and demand payment, are called a "great danger" for drivers, said Mayor Leonardo Domenici of Florence. He issued a decree last week that imposes fines and detention of up to three months on all such men.

The decree alleged the squeegee men of blocking the traffic, causing inconvenience to pedestrians and abusing drivers, particularly women. It is valid through Oct. 30, with chances of being renewed.

According to AP reports, the measure has been appreciated by many people but not the leftist politicians. ".... to consider being a squeegee in itself a crime, it is wrong," said the leftists.

The problem is quite common to driver especially in metropolitan cities where the squeegee men tend to become very aggressive, mainly with women.

Former New York City mayor and now presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani also issued a similar campaign against squeegee men. Giuliani famously embarked on a crusade against squeegee men as part of his quality-of-life campaign, claiming that their near-ubiquitous presence created an environment of disorder that encouraged more serious crime to flourish.

Squeegee men disappeared from city streets during Giuliani's mayoralty and have yet to reappear in significant numbers.