I've contested many a fine, I fucking hate those parking sharks. The clock is indeed stopped until a decision is made.
Then it's usually back to the original terms of payment stated on the OG fine.
I've even contested friends fines as well, I'd rather spend the 30 minutes appealing than let any of those companies get more revenue.
This is in the UK at least...
I got a speeding ticket in France and to contest it you have to pay the full fine (€90) and if you were successful with the appeal then you'd get that money refunded.

So all the diesel runoff from leaky lorries, tractors, badly maintained vehicles etc and, whatever else that gets spilt on the roads goes into our waterways untreated?
Plus Thames water has been releasing raw sewage into our waterways.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-67357566