A proposal to build a 10-metre tall crucifix next to the Kwinana Freeway south of Perth has been rejected by the local shire.

For nearly four years, builder Nick Smargiassi has been lobbying the Shire of Murray for permission to erect a steel statue of Jesus on the cross with the words "God bless you on the freeway" on the fence line of his Stake Hill property.

The sign would have been lit at night in an attempt to encourage drivers to slow down and drive safely.

But the proposal was turned down by shire councillors because it did not fit with the local planning policy.

Deputy shire president Steve Lee said council objected to the cross's location near a major intersection.

"It's close to the intersection of Manjoogoordap Drive where there's a number of Main Roads directional signs already in place," he said.

"Given it's in an area where signs are not permitted, we couldn't go against our policy and say yes because if you deviate from policy it opens the floodgates for other people.

"I'm sure that the majority of councillors are certainly not against having a crucifix or a cross monument."

Mr Smargiassi said he was extremely disappointed.

"It's on my block, my land, but apparently it's quite okay to have an enormous electronic advertising billboard nearby that you'd need to stop a car (to read)," he said.

He said he had promised his family he would stop pursuing the crucifix if council rejected it.

"I've had enough. I can say to my God, I did my absolute ultimate best to put up the sign but unfortunately and sadly the demons are winning as far as I'm concerned, and there's nothing I can do about it.

"This is the end of the road for now."