Residents and businesses using the West Virginia Turnpike get a chance this week to discuss a proposal to increase tolls on the 88-mile highway.

The first of four public hearings on the increase will be held Tuesday in eastern Kanawha County.

The West Virginia Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority also plans to hold hearings in Fayette, Raleigh and Mercer counties.

The authority says tolls have not been increased in nearly 30 years, and the extra money is needed to keep the highway from falling into further disrepair.

If adopted, the toll for passenger vehicles will increase 75 cents to $2. The toll for large trucks would go from $4.25 to $6.27.

The authority will meet in June to act on the increase.