MERRIMACK, N.H. -- About 80 Merrimack residents hit the road Monday armed with rolls of pennies, hoping to draw attention to what they said is an unfair toll system, reported WMUR-TV in Manchester.

Residents were urged to pay the 50-cent tolls at the three Merrimack exits in pennies to protest the toll system that they said costs them much more than the average New Hampshire resident.

"It is really a mess, so I think it's time that we voiced our opinion in a good way, so I'm really pleased they're doing this," resident Barbara Comer said.

Said resident Kay Eramo, "I think we've been overburdened with these tolls for far too long. So, we'll hope they'll listen and give us some relief."

After a downtown rally, several residents jumped in their cars and hit every exit, paying the tolls in pennies.

"It's a half a buck a day, and why should we be unfairly taxed -- because that's what it is -- and have the rest of the state walk free?" resident Dave Rutzke said.

Studies show that Merrimack residents pay as much as 42 cents per mile traveled compared to an average of 3 cents per mile for users of the turnpike system.

"It's on the forefront of every Merrimack resident's mind when you have to put an entire line in your home budget or work budget for the Merrimack tolls," state Rep. Maureen Mooney said. "Enough is enough."

With horns honking and yellow "Don't Tread On Me" flags flying, drivers tried to make their point. There were some traffic problems, and state police received calls of slow vehicles and pedestrians walking on highway ramps.

Police said they found two vehicles traveling 28 mph in a 65-mph zone. Both drivers were cited for traveling under the minimum 45 mph speed limit. Pedestrians near an offramp were warned not to enter the highway.

Organizers said the protest was good-natured, and they hope it will get the attention of Concord lawmakers.

"They had no sympathy, and now, they look and say it just isn't fair," Town Councilor Dave McCray said. "Sometimes, you have to force someone to see something before they accept it."

Town officials said that if the protest doesn't help change minds about the situation, they might consider a class-action lawsuit against the state.