(ECNS) -- The chance to win the car plate lottery in Beijing has dropped to a record low, with only one out of 693 applicants lucky enough to get a license plate, Beijing Youth Daily reported.
In a bid to rein in its pollution and traffic jams, the capital city instituted a license plate lottery in January 2011. One out of 10.6 applicants received a plate after the first draw on January 26, 2011. The success rate has been dwindling due to the faster growth of car purchasers.
By April 8, the number of drivers entering the lottery rose to over 2.65 million, making it the most competitive month, according to Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport.
The competition is also increasing for drivers applying for new energy cars. About 44 percent of the total annual quota for individuals has already been taken this year.
