A controversial debate has been launched over one of New Brunswick's hot button issues. The provincial government has been debating highway tolls, and if imposed, the toll may be more expensive than first thought.

Residents in St. George have mixed reactions about the idea of a highway toll.

"People are going to cry foul because it's costing them more money," says one resident. "But it's more taxes or more tolls. You're going to have to pay somehow."

"A small toll wouldn't be a big deal, but if they're looking at charging any amount of money, it would be really bad," said another.

At a truck stop in Pennfield, where it is not unusual for truckers to fill up with $1,000 worth of diesel, toll is a four-letter word.

"We pay enough now," says truck driver Herbie Brown. "Everywhere you go you're taxed or billed. It's crazy."

Fellow truck driver Delbert Ross agrees.

"No, I don't want to pay tolls. I feel we pay enough fuel tax as it is," says Ross.

The province is considering a fixed rate for cars, or another option is a three cent per kilometre fee. At that rate, a round trip between Saint John and the U.S. border would cost about $6.50, or $22 between Saint John and Edmundston.

At three cents per kilometre, the toll would raise about $50-million for the New Brunswick government. A large sum, but it still represents less than 10 per cent of the $545-million deficit plaguing the government.

Some locals believe that if the government goes ahead with the tolls, points of payment should only be at major entrances to the province.

"Put the tolls on either end and I think people would be happy as the devil with it," says area resident Lester MacKay. "It's not going to burden the local people if I want to go to St. George or Saint John."

MacKay believes containing the toll booths to major entrances will protect New Brunswickers who live in small communities, and who use the highway, from the toll impact.

The idea of a referendum is also under consideration by some residents.

They believe the referendum should include a clear question as to whether the government should have a per kilometre toll or a fixed toll.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Mike Cameron