Court rules on parking meter 'Robin Hoods'

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The state’s highest court has ruled the conduct of a band of self-styled “Robin Hoods” in Keene who feed parking meters while following officers is protected under the First Amendment, but the city has a right to pursue an injunction against them in the interests of public safety.

City officials said they have no problem with the group paying the fees — a reaction to what the group calls “the king’s tariff”— but want to protect officers from harassment and argued for a buffer zone.

The Supreme Court ruled the “challenged conduct” is intended to draw attention to parking enforcement operations. There’s no allegation that it involves violent conduct.