Robin Hoods of Keene pay it forward to parking meters

KEENE, N.H. (MyFoxBoston.com) – Not having change for a parking meter is not a problem for those living in Keene, N.H. because a group is going around inserting money into meters when needed claiming they are paying it forward; however, not everyone agrees with the act of generosity, including the city.

The group, who call themselves the Robin Hoods of Keene, claim they have prevented the City of Keene from issuing thousands of tickets, and they spend so much time feeding the meters that the parking enforcement officers know them by name.

The unisex group takes to the streets everyday armed with cameras and coins to feed expired meters because they do not like the idea of the city giving out parking tickets.

Often it is like a game of cat and mouse. The so-called Robin Hoods shadow the parking enforcement officers on their routes.

If they see an expired meter, they will rush to put a few nickels in before a ticket can be issued.

"When the merrymen are out on the street saving people they are being handed gift cards, rolls of quarters, nickels, and dimes," Ian Freeman, one of the Robin Hooders, told FOX 25.

Freeman is one of six Robin Hooders being sued by the City of Keene. The city says the citizen activists are harassing the parking enforcement officers to the point that some have threatened to quit.

"The City of Keene has been denied I would say a pretty decent chunk of change as a result of this, therefore, they are pretty upset, and they want to do everything they can to put a stop to this," Freeman said.

The suit demands the activists stay at least 50 feet away from the parking enforcement officers. As for filling the meters, there is nothing the city can do to stop that.

Freeman says he doesn't plan to change a thing.

The group has 30 days to respond to the lawsuit and have consulted an attorney.

Cox Media Group