Four trucking groups filed a federal lawsuit Monday challenging toll increases on seven Delaware River bridges.

Tolls for trucks and cars crossing bridges operated by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission jumped Nov. 30, in some cases about 300 percent.

Truckers' tolls have increased to $2.25 per axle. A second round of planned hikes will cost truckers $3.25 per axle starting in January 2004.

The New Jersey Motor Truck Association, Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association, American Trucking Associations and Roadway Express filed the complaint in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia. The groups claim the increases violate federal laws requiring tolls to be "just and reasonable."

The commission, which operates 20 bridges between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, said the new rates would help fund a 10-year, $526 million maintenance plan.