A PETITION has been launched to turn Benerembah Street - designed as the crowning jewel of the CBD but now a mishmash of industry, small business and council buildings - into a two-way road.
Concerned local business owners say up to 10 cars travel the wrong way around the one-way street every day, posing a grave risk to drivers and prompting an urgent call for change.
They have requested better signage, improvements to kerb and guttering, and a reversal of the street's one-way status.
Cartridge World proprietor Eduardo Clebsch said he saw or heard the telltale signs of a wrong-way vehicle between five and 10 times per day.
"We regularly hear horns going or see cars swerving - a lot of cars coming down from the theatre or council seem to go the wrong way," Mr Clebsch said.
"They take on a bit of speed sometimes because it's downhill and one day I'm sure someone's going to end up getting hurt.
"We would like to see some improvements to signage as well but the main concern is turning it into a two-way street. It would be good for business too."
In Walter Burley Griffin's designs for Griffith, Benerembah Street was billed as the focal point and civic centre of the city, but has instead been left behind as the CBD progressed around it.
Upon presentation of the petition at Tuesday's council meeting, Councillor Doug Curran explained Benerembah Street was owned and managed by the RMS (formerly RTA), leaving council unable to make any changes.
The Community Development Council of Griffith (CDCG) will now seek council assistance to put a proposal together, which will be presented to the RMS.
CDCG president and Benerembah Street business owner Carmel La Rocca said an increase in traffic amplified the need for fast action.
"The street is becoming busier and, while there's nothing wrong with that, it has to be safe for vehicles and on-foot traffic.
"The type of vehicle going around Benerembah Street has changed - there are more large vehicles, including trucks, because of the businesses on the street and the easy access to Banna Avenue.
"It just needs good planning and it should be made a priority."
Ms La Rocca said the street was in need of a small-scale facelift, with lawn and shrubs planted in some areas and improvements to on-street parking.
"Some parts have been made really lovely but others are just stark in contrast," she said.
Cr Curran agreed to work with the CDCG on a proposal and said he would present the petition to the RMS at the next traffic committee meeting.