Murphy To Veto Toll Increase On NJ Turnpike, Parkway

TRENTON, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday said he plans to veto the New Jersey Turnpike Authority's proposed $2.62 billion budget, which includes a 3 percent toll increase on some state roadways.

"After considering the issue, I have decided to veto the New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s proposed budget passed earlier this week," Murphy said in a statement posted on Facebook. "I am not satisfied with the justification provided for the toll increases reflected in the budget and need more information for why the board is taking this step."

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority Board of Commissioners recently approved the budget in a unanimous 6-0 vote. This year's budget reflects a $100 million increase over last year and would add 44 new employees to the state's maintenance and engineering departments, officials told NJ.com.

• RELATED: Tolls Increasing On NJ Turnpike, Parkway — Unless Murphy Stops It

If passed, the 3 percent increase would take effect on Jan. 1, 2024, and would affect drivers on the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike, according to multiple reports.

The hike would be the fourth toll increase since 2020.

Gov. Murphy has the authority to veto the budget since he appoints most of the members of the board, designates the chair and has the statutory authority to overturn board action by vetoing the minutes of the meeting at which the action was taken.

Following the approval of the budget, the National Motorist Association New Jersey chapter asked Murphy to veto it, citing four straight years of 3 percent toll increases.

"NJ-NMA recommends that the governor veto or partially veto the minutes from this meeting and force the authority to reassess its toll increases since 2020 to arrive at a revised tolling plan for 2024," Steve Carrellas, the association's state policy director, told NJ.com.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.