Protesters torch Greek motorway toll booth

Hundreds of anti-government Greeks have set fire to a toll booth on an Athens motorway to protest the tripling of tolls.

Anti-government demonstrators have set fire to a toll booth on a Greek motorway to protest prices. (AAP)

A group of 500 anti-government demonstrators have set fire to a toll booth on a motorway east of Athens to protest a near-tripling of prices.

The announcement last week of the toll hike from 55 euro cents ($A.83), to 1.45 euros ($A2.22) tapped into general rage by Greek motorists who complain that they are paying a high price for roads that are not always properly maintained.

Austerity measures hitting Greek citizens are also fuelling the indignation.

The demonstrators on Sunday blocked the motorway, set fire to tyres and chanted slogans against the government. They dispersed hours later.

But Transport Minister Mihalis Chryssohoidis said on Friday the toll increases were part of the contract signed with the motorway operators in 2007.

"Whoever obstructs passage through the tolls is acting to the detriment of the Greek people," he said.

He said however that everyday commuters using the tollway at the centre of the protest would pay the previous lower fare.