‘Your GPS is wrong’: Simple reason behind mystery road sign in Quairading

A sign on a remote road in WA’s Wheatbelt has stumped drivers and social media users for its bizarre instruction that urges travellers to turn off their GPS. The sign, which can be spotted in the town of Quairading, 165km east of Perth, instructs drivers to turn around and avoid the road as their car’s navigation systems are wrong. “Your GPS is wrong, this is not the best route to Perth,” the road sign reads. “Turn around and travel via the Quairading-York road.” News.com.au reports a post on a local community page on Facebook showcased the confusing sign, sparking thousands of comments and speculation. “I think it’s a clever ploy by Quairading to make tourists drive through their town — maybe stop for coffee etc. marketing 101,” one wrote. Quairading Shire president Jo Haythornthwaite has brought some closure to the discussion, explaining that the sign was put there to encourage drivers to avoid Old Beverley Road — a gravel route suggested by Google Maps — which becomes very slippery and hazardous after a bout of rain. “What Google does not recognise is that their suggestion of taking the Old Beverley Road leads travellers and tourists onto a low-lying road that has 15kms of gravel, is very slippery when wet and is prone to flooding,” she said. “Unfortunately, the traveller is unaware of this and often our local farmers are often called upon to assist travellers who have run off the road or have encountered problems when travelling along the road.” After Google ignored the Quairading Shire’s multiple requests to produce a safer alternative route for drivers — which takes longer — the thoughtful sign was erected. Ms Haythornthwaite said that the sign seemed to be working, as it has been noticed that less traffic is moving through the dicey road.