Smashing shot!
In a similar situation I appealed as we were dashing home for a much needed inhaler for OH. It was late and the road was empty.
I also escalated it (all over the show) because the option for the course (in my case) was twice as much as the fine and I quite rightly stated that it was favouring those who are in a position to afford such things and it was tantamount to greasing palms..........quite right too.
When I get on one I really get on one.
They dropped me like a hot brick and the manager of the office dealing with it told me (very quietly) that he agreed with me and admired my tenacity.
I might have missed a good shot by being too penurious and also too pig headed though
Acher