A different type of surveillance is being used to try and curb the problem of sex workers in residential Christchurch.

Since the earthquakes prostitutes have moved back to the suburbs to conduct their business outside, and sometimes on, Manchester Street properties.

After battling for years for a solution, a donated CCTV camera has been installed for a two week trial, which feeds back to police, a local resident and Councillor Ali Jones.

Police are able to act on anything illegal they see on the tapes.

Ms Jones said they're hoping the camera will make a real difference.

"The camera is there not only as a deterrent, but also as a way to catch the evidence should it be needed. So it's very short, let's just see what we get and then we'll look at that and see where we go from there."

Local councillor and resident Matt Bonis said it's already working.

"The number of girls have diminished. We had quite a few on Friday night, but it appears that it's at least having some effect in terms of deterring the punters.

"From what we can see through looking at what the camera produces, they're spending a lot of time with nobody picking them up."

Mr Bonis said they're hoping the camera will stay.

"I think there's certainly a lot more peace of mind from the residents around me."

Prostitutes Collective spokeswoman Anna Reid said it's a step to getting the women back to the city.

"They're just one or two die-hards that have never moved back since the earthquakes. They haven't been very responsive to our requests. I think it could be something that works. We'll just hope they don't turn up in somebody else's corner."