Google says its Google Map system is not infallible and NSW
drivers should not follow its directions "blindly".
The admission comes after GPS devices that use Google Maps
began to incorrectly indicate that large parts of the Pacific
Highway were closed.
For example Google Maps currently recommends that drivers
travelling between Sydney and Byron Bay take an inland
diversion through Armidale and Glen Innes.
A Google spokesman said it's possible that incorrect data or
other errors may result in bad directions at times.
"No driving directions, whether printed, displayed on a map,
or spoken, should be followed blindly," he said in a
statement on Friday.
Charlie Hamer, 30, is currently on a road trip from Sydney to
Airlie Beach and had a narrow escape with his GPS device.
"I punched the details into my iPhone GPS, and then just
after Newcastle it started telling me to leave the Pacific
Highway, he told AAP.
"Fortunately I've done this drive before so I just ignored
it.
"But it would've been a nightmare for someone who didn't know
where they were going."
The Google spokesman said the problem was currently being
dealt with.
"We've flagged it and it will be adjusted soon."
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