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A small town in Sardinia / sɑrˈdɪn i ə /, Italy, banned the use of Google Maps after people got lost while following the app’s misleading directions.
The town of Baunei [baw-NEY] can be found in the mountainous part of north-eastern Sardinia. It is known for its beautiful beaches and seaside landscapes. However, as travelers try to locate the town’s scenic places through Google Maps, they often get stranded on impassable roads and narrow paths. According to Salvatore Corrias, Baunei’s mayor, the town has performed 144 rescue missions in the last two years.
The incorrect directions are causing the town a serious problem. Corrias said that rescue operations are costly for the local government since stranded travelers do not have to pay to get rescued. However, the rescued tourists are still responsible for any damage to their vehicles.
To straighten out the problem, the town had reached out to Google. A spokesperson for the tech company said that they are aware of the mapping issues in Sardinia and are working with the local government to resolve the issue.
In the meantime, local authorities have erected road signs that tell people to not follow Google Maps’ directions. In addition to this, Corrias advised people to use paper maps in place of GPS and to consult with a local guide from the area to prevent getting lost. The local government plans to provide physical maps to help people navigate. They will also run an information campaign on social media to inform people better.