Pay online using the reference number from the penalty notice. You can also pay by phone at 0343 222 2222 (yes, that’s a real number). Never use search engine ads—scammers love to create fake payment pages. If the website asks for your passport number or a “service fee,” run. The official site ends in .gov.uk or .tfl.gov.uk. Bookmark it now. You’ll thank me later.
If you’re struggling with the fine, you can apply for a payment plan. TfL offers monthly installments, but only if you call them. It’s less embarrassing than you think—customer service agents have heard it all. “My satnav was playing pranks” is a classic.
