Jersey Parishes

The island of Jersey is split into 12 parishes, and these each have responsibility over the minor roads within their boundaries. 'Main Roads' are the responsibility of the States of Jersey Roads Department. For the parishes, it is generally true that the roads are one of the few responsibilities they have, and so this role is often jealously guarded, and a stamp of individuality is added where it can be, such as on road signs.

Highways Management

Each parish seems to have a different system for road maintenance, but their duties and responsibilities are not always as might be expected. For instance, a hangover from past times is the annual survey of the hedges, to ensure that roads are not encroached on. The actual maintenance of roads, such as is needed with low traffic levels and small budgets, is contracted out by most parishes, with only 2 or 3 parishes, including St Helier, having any employed labour force, and even they don't have much specialist equipment.

Parishes

The 12 parishes are as follows:

• St Helier covering the core of the St Helier urban area, and almost entirely built up.
• St Saviour to the east of St Helier, and predominantly urban in character
• St Clement which lies along the south east coast of the island, and is generally built up.
• Grouville also in the south east corner, and includes the village of Gorey.
• St Martin in the north east of the island, and one of the more rural parishes.
• Trinity to the north of St Saviour, one of the largest parishes, and with the lowest population density.
• St John in the central north, another rural parish
• St Lawrence covering the west of the St Helier urban area, with some more rural areas to the north.
• St Mary the second smallest parish, with the smallest population at under 2000.
• St Ouen in the north west corner is the largest and most rural of the parishes
• St Peter in the middle west of the island is home to the airport and otherwise a mix of urban and rural.
• St Brelade in the south west corner is the most densely populated parish outside St Helier's urban area.