Blenheim and Picton are getting a double dose of technology - CCTV and free public WiFi.

The Marlborough District Council announced both innovations last night.

New closed circuit television (CCTV) security cameras will be installed in the CBDs of Blenheim and Picton as a public safety measure.

At the same time, a free public WiFi service will be installed, enabling people in either town centre free access to the internet with their laptops, tablets and smartphones.

Mayor Alistair Sowman said there were economies of scale in getting both services together as the CCTV system was designed to "co-host" the WiFi technology.

The new CCTV system will replace the eight aging security cameras installed around Blenheim in 2004-05 at the request of retailers and the police but which are now beginning to fail. CCTV will be extended to Picton after the town's police and the Picton Business Group lobbied for the cameras to be introduced.

Network Tasman Limited has been selected to install the systems.

The cameras will be located at sites that are either areas of interest in terms of public safety or important council assets.

Linking existing CCTV cameras at the Blenheim Public Library and Alfred St parking building into the new system will also be explored. The council and police will be able to view all camera feeds.

Mr Sowman said it made sense to introduce the two measures in tandem.

“I think everyone understands the value of security surveillance and, as digital technology speeds forward, free WiFi is part and parcel of being a smart and connected region,” he said.

The exact WiFi coverage area has not yet been determined.

- © Fairfax NZ News