Margaret River locals have voiced concerns over the decision to move ahead with the opening of Fearn Avenue to vehicles after the Shire made the announcement on Facebook last week.
Vehicles are expected to be able to access the new Festival Precinct area in coming days, with a tentative start date of Monday March 15.
The one-way traffic plan will see vehicles allowed to travel at up to 10km/h heading west down Fearn Avenue from Bussell Highway.
"Shame," wrote one user.
"It's going to go from a mall style area - a nice safe place to have a drink or lunch - to having to watch yourself, your kids and car fumes. Not sure outdoor eating will be comfortable."
"What benefit does it have to open this one way lane?" asked another local.
"As others have mentioned it is now a safe haven for locals and tourists to mingle, have coffee, push prams without the risk of cars."
The Shire said access through the street from Bussell Highway was temporarily deferred until retractable bollards arrived, which were delayed due to global supply chain issues.
Shire Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Addison-Brown said the Festival Precinct was designed as a shared use space as part of the Margaret River Main Street Makeover.
"Pedestrians have been able to enjoy exclusive use of this space on account of the delay in retractable bollards arriving," she said.
"Now the bollards have been installed, vehicles will be allowed to drive through as originally intended and the area can be temporarily closed for special events."
Ms Addison-Brown acknowledged calls by some members of the community to permanently keep the space pedestrian use only and said traffic modelling was needed to understand impacts of any potential future change.
"We know a number of people would like the Shire to keep this area for pedestrians only after having experienced the space free of cars," she said.
"However, this view is not shared by all segments of the community, especially businesses in the direct vicinity who have been impacted by lack of vehicle and delivery access.
"Traffic modelling is required to understand the impacts of a permanent closure including the potential for congestion at other intersections and to enable planning for future intersection treatments.
"An informed decision can then be made around any potential changes.
"We ask drivers to keep to the speed limit, and for people to give way to cars in this area as the town gets used to the one-way street."
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