The erection of a single post has caused major headaches for Port Douglas Sunday Market stallholder according to veteran stallholder Bruno Scomazzon.

The offending post blocks vehicle access to the market area at the pedestrian crossing which leads from the Court House Hotel, forcing many stallholders to enter from the east via a point further up Wharf Street, or near St Mary's By The Sea.

Mr Scomazzon, who has worked at the markets for 20 years selling sugar juice and orchids, said this was unacceptable and has increased the risk of injury rather than reduced it.

"I believe a very dangerous situation (exists) for both the public and the market people as cars or vans transporting their goods and produce run a zigzag path through the area on their return to the east and west entry to the market site.

"This situation is likely to increase the chances of a serious accident ten-fold."

Mr Scomazzon said prior to the erection of the poll there were already regulations in place to prevent accidents.

"Market regulations states there to be no vehicle entry to access between the hours of 7.30am to 1.30pm. This safeguards the public using the entry for a period of six hours."

He said that in the market's 28 year history there have been no accidents recorded.

"If we pay a fee to set up our business here and (have) a licence to operate, why shouldn't we be entitled to good access?"

He estimated that more than 30 per cent of stallholders have been affected.
 
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