HUNDREDS of locals surrounding High Street have signed petitions calling on WA Main Roads to amend its road widening plans.

They agree an upgrade is needed, but not on the scale Main Roads wants. More lanes means more traffic, pollution and noise, they say.

The petition calls on the council to stop the precinct’s ongoing marginalisation and loss of amenity.

Cool Room cafe owner Peta Walter is concerned about the impact on her business which, “is filled with locals from both sides of the highway”.

Forrest Street lollypop man Michael Whittle says about 40 children use the crossing every day between 8am and 9am.

“Many parents of East Fremantle primary school are also signing the petition, indicating [the wider road] will block their children from walking to and from school and deny them access to the netball courts.”

The owners of Forrest Street Indian restaurant Mother India say the plan will, “make it very hard for our regulars to walk over to enjoy a meal … it is a very bad idea”.

The signatures will be presented to council November 26.

by CARMELO AMALFI