Angry with the steep rise in registration fees for motorcycle owners, hundreds of motorcyclists rode slowly on highways in and around Montreal Saturday afternoon as a form of protest.

Dubbed "Operation Escargot", the protest was one of several that have taken place since the spring.

The motorcyclists rode at 60 km per hour -- the minimum speed limit allowed on highways -- in an effort to slow traffic and draw attention to their cause.

The demonstration began in the city's east end, at the corner of Industriel Blvd. and Francois Bricault St.

They made their way along Highway 40 West, Highway 25 South, through the Louis-H.-Lafontaine tunnel, onto Highway 132 West, over the Champlain Bridge, and onto the Bonaventure Expressway.

The protest ended downtown, in front of Premier Jean Charest's office on McGill College Ave.

Protestors say registration fees for some motorcycles have more than tripled in recent years. For example, in 2007 it cost $320 to ride a sports bike. Next year, it will cost $1,400.