Tolls on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway will be increasing in the new year. A 3% increase will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

The tolls on the Parkway will increase 10 cents from $1.90 to $2 for those paying with cash. Drivers using E-ZPass will get a slight break and only have to pay $1.96. The average tolls on the Turnpike will increase from $4.80 to $4.95.

Some drivers who spoke with News 12 New Jersey were surprised to hear about the toll hike. It was only this time last year when commuters felt a toll increase bump of 37% on the Parkway and 36% on the Turnpike.

“Bad timing. Definitely could have dropped that when no one is paying attention, like in March,” says Becky Brooks, of Middletown.

State officials say that the hike will help pay for capital projects. In 2020, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority allowed for an annual future increase of 3%.

Officials say the vast majority of the Turnpike Authority revenue comes from tolls.