Federal authorities have approved Gov. Nathan Deal's request that tolls be lowered on Interstate 85 during non-peak hours.

It's the latest step in efforts to improve the traffic flow in the so-called HOT lanes on I-85 in parts of Gwinnett and DeKalb counties.

Deal's spokesman Brian Robinson told CBS Atlanta the lanes were not being used during the non-peak hours during weekdays, at night and on weekends. Officials hope that by lowering the toll, more drivers will use them during the off-peak hours.

WSB-TV reported the tolls could be lowered to as little as one penny per mile.

The State Road and Tollway Authority is expected to vote on the change next week.

Tags: I-85, toll lane, toll lanes, highway, HOT lanes