As traffic banks up at roundabouts and cars give way to pedestrians, Warrnambool police road safety manager Senior Sergeant Chris Asenjo appealed for calm. 

“It’s a busy time of year. We would ask people to show a bit of patience,” Senior Sergeant Asenjo said.

“For the people of Warrnambool who may be experiencing a higher level of traffic and pedestrians, we ask them to be patient and understand that we’re all here to have a good safe time.” 

He said police were patrolling high-traffic areas including the CBD and foreshore precinct during the peak period.  

“Keep a look out,” he said. 

“We will be there and if you do have any issues or need police assistance with traffic-related matters call triple 0 and we’ll do what we can.” 

The Standard spoke to some traders to see if they’d received any customer feedback about the streetscape, parking or pedestrian crossings at Liebig Street intersections over the holidays. 

Daizy Boutique owner Maree Wills said she’d heard mixed comments. 

“Everybody’s saying they’ve been coming here for years and it’s great what they’ve done (with the street),” she said.

“The only thing is the congestion around the roundabouts and how the cars are banked up while they’re giving way to the pedestrians. But as one lady said pedestrians spend money, cars don’t.”

Collins Booksellers store manager Michaelie Clark said while she’d had some comments that it “was difficult to drive and park”, the area was much more welcoming for pedestrians, tourists, and people who wanted to enjoy their shopping experience. 

Armadio owner Maria Chambers said she hadn’t had any customer feedback. 

“I think it’s fabulous,” Mrs Chambers said.

“This morning when I arrived at work there were people sitting out at the cafes having breakfast. It's got a real buzz about it. I think it’s really added to Warrnambool.”

Taylors Surfodesy manager Chris Taylor said he had a few comments from customers about the streets being busy which was expected for this time of year.

“That’s just summer,” Mr Taylor said. “That’s not a bad thing. There’s plenty of empty parks out the back.”