Paying fixed penalty notices

I've got to pay one and send in my licence to get points, but will be out of the country and need my licence in case the bike breaks down in the middle of nowhere and I need to hire a car. I get back on the day after I have to get my licence to them.

Does anyone know if they're likely to give any wiggle room on this, or where I could phone? The police don't have any phone numbers other than 999 - it's one of the ways they keep crime figures manageable, I suppose.

Why not pay it, but neglect to send in your licence and then claim you forgot that part? They'll then send you a letter asking for your licence as well, which you'll not receive until you get back. You then call them the day you're back and say 'OMG OHNOES I DIDN'T SEE THAT PART, SOOOO SORRY, I'VE BEEN ABROAD UNTIL TODAY SO I DIDN'T GET YOUR LETTER UNTIL NOW...', then send it off that day. They can't penalise you further for paying your fine on time ;). The paper trail can be your get-out clause 'obviously I wasn't trying to do anything untoward by missing the deadline - I paid the fine after all! etc etc.'...