Oh how i wish id read this last month. I had a ticket for the same offence in july I sent in a letter of appeal based mainy the fact the signs arnt positioned where you see them until you on top of the bus lane (if you ca really call something that small a bus lane) i sent my cheque along with my letter (yes i know now) as i did not want to go down the road of appealing against the extra charge as appeal not received within 14 days. Guess what they cashed the cheque but denied every receiving the letter, then when i phoned the lady i spoke to just quoted the party line and said by paying id admitted guilt so appeal invalid however they could still not confirm where my letter was, when i then asked to speak to manager she refused stating it was not a matter for a manager, i politely reminded her is was for me to decide if she had not helped and manager required , she still refused and told me to write in missing the irony that matter was due to lost post. I then said ok i would write but could she now put me through to complaints department she could tell i was giving up and stated would get a manager to call me back, to the credit of the manager he did so within 15 mins, he advised me to email copy of my origional letter and they would look at. i did this and was promised a reply within 10 days, 17 days later a letter arrived stating thank you for your letter we have your payment matter now closed( wow thanks) I phoned again and was a least told some reasons for rejection and for bus lane being there (stop wide loads etc) the peson almost accused me of being a bad driver but was in aggreement with my representations even though he said would not be accepted. he states will get a proper written reply to my appeal detailing why rejected (i dont think this exists yet as they took the money so why bother assessing the appeal) i told him its not just about not paying the fine but if people dont appeal potential problems with road layouts would not be rectified, when i then questioned how often this happens here he suggested (sort of off record) that i investigate which led me to google the bus said bus lane which led me to your message. I await with non expectent baited breath for a written reply from TFL.