Folks fuel up to hit the road

ORANGE, Conn. (WTNH) -- Cheaper gas prices are driving more Americans to the roads this holiday week than in previous years, according to AAA.

"They're going down it. Used to be $4, but they're going down," said Fred Tucker of New Haven.

The prices are going down, but it's still not low enough for some drivers.

"It's outrageous here," said Pat Radcliffe. "Florida, it's only $3.05."

She says the price of gas in Connecticut makes her yearn for home, but until she gets there, she and others are left with no choice but to fill up.

"North Carolina, it's only $2.66," she said.

"So when you see $3.69..." said News 8's Ali Reed.

"I don't want to come back up this way."

"It's very high, but I have no choice," said Mel Portula. "I drove from Arlington, Virginia, about a seven hour drive, but it's very expensive. I have no choice I just have to pay more."

While the average price of gas has fallen by about four cents a gallon, in New Haven this past week the price per gallon of diesel fuel is going up.

The state's tax on diesel went up by 5% per gallon on Sunday, and while truck drivers haven't felt the increase yet, they will be. Mark Jimerson says it cost him $175 to fill up his truck, so he says any increase is going to have a big impact.

"It's ridiculous, it shouldn't be that high," he said. "In New York, we're in Connecticut, they got high diesel rate. I pay $3.50 and I got to come up here and pay $4 or $5? Ridiculous."

"I get most of my fuel in Jersey, so it's a lot cheaper, but we still got to get something in each state, so we got to split it up," said truck driver Darrell McNair.