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Islanders have taken to social media to express their bewilderment at the sudden and unexplained appearance of a new sign on one of Jersey's most famous roads.
Despite being the island's longest stretch of open road, it is common local knowledge that Grande Route des Mielles or 'The Five Mile Road' is not actually five miles long.
However, it appears that someone has taken it upon themselves to ensure that this fact is publicised.
A new road sign has appeared at the Route de la Pulente end of the road has appeared as if by magic, informing passers-by that the so-called 'Five Mile Road' is in fact around three-and-a-half miles long.
Express contacted the Government who confirmed that they had nothing to do with the new sign, nor had any idea where it came from.
They explained parishes tend to deal with name plates, so suggested that it would be best to get in touch with St. Brelade’s Parish Hall.
Pictured: A close-up of the new road sign on Grande Route des Mielles. (Martin Fallaize)
Following a query to the Parish Hall, a St. Brelade administrator claimed that the road is administered by the Government and redirected the back query to them.
St. Brelade Constable Mike Jackson also said that he knew nothing about the road sign or who might have put it there.
He added that whilst the new sign might seem "quirky", it "isn't helpful and simply causes confusion to visitors and indeed local residents alike".
When asked if the Parish was planning on removing the sign, the Constable said that "it may be wise to do so before too much confusion reigns".
Sharing a photograph of the new road sign online, Martin Fallaize attempted to clear up some of the confusion around the Grande Route des Mielles nickname.
"The Five Mile Road is actually three-and-a-half miles," he wrote. "The map designers wrongly translated the words 'cinq mielles' the five sands (five sand dunes) to five miles."
However local historian Frank Falle has previously suggested that the 'Five Mile Road' nickname originates from the actual distance from La Corbiere to L’Etacq which is just over five miles.
Social media commenters expressed their surprise on Martin's post.
One commenter said that she spotted the sign and "nearly didn't make the bend" as she drove past.
"For us locals it will always be the Five Mile Road no matter what signs they put up!" she added.
Another islander agreed: "Five Mile Road will always be the Five Mile Road because try and and say, 'It's on the Three-And-A-Half Mile Road’!
One person suggested that the sign may be "a bit of a publicity stunt from Staks", but this was quickly confirmed as incorrect.
And so the mystery of the Three-And-A-Half Mile Road sign continues...
Pictured top: The new road sign appeared on Grande Route des Mielles earlier this week. (Martin Fallaize)
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