Global commodity prices are helping keep the streets of Dunedin clean.
Cash in the back pocket seems to be a stronger incentive to act, rather than just leaving an old car on the street for the council to worry about.
During the past five years the number of abandoned vehicles the Dunedin City Council has had to remove has steadily declined - one reason being the increase in the price of steel.
In 2009 there were 598 abandoned vehicle complaints and 166 vehicles removed but in 2012 complaints were down to 359 with 30 vehicles removed.
DCC parking services team leader Daphne Griffen said with the increase in the price of steel, abandoned vehicles were really not much of a problem any more.
''It seems people would rather [have] a bit of money in their pocket instead of having the council chase them up about their car,'' Ms Griffen said.
It cost the council about $13,000 each year to remove abandoned vehicles, which included towage and secure indoor storage for a period of between 10 days and six months until the vehicle was either claimed or disposed of. Owners could face fines of more than $500 for the storage and removal of an abandoned vehicle.
If people were concerned about a vehicle which they suspected was abandoned, they should call the council, she said.
Scrap Metal dealers spoken to by The Star said people were more aware their old cars could be recycled now, which meant more were being taken into dealers.
Otago Metal Industries foreman Nic Marshall said two or three years ago there was a big increase in the number of old vehicles being brought into scrap metal dealers because the price of steel was higher.
Since the steel price had dropped in the past year, fewer vehicles had been scrapped, but it could also be the case there were not as many older vehicles being sold, Mr Marshall said.
''People are a lot more educated about the situation now, so instead of leaving it for the council they know they can get some money.''
Depending on the condition, an older car could be worth anywhere from $50 to $200, he said.
- by Tim Miller
