@Simon_Michael … Did you ever contact your local Gendarmerie ??
Hmm. In fact, 135€ is the “standard” fine. 90€ is a special concession for early payment within 15 days (30 days if you pay online), and as you say, it goes up to 375€ if you pay after 45 days or after 60 days if you pay online.
The OP should have time to pay the standard fine before the extra penalty kicks in. However I suspect it’s not worth trying to claim the special reduced rate for fast payment, because it’s impossible to actually prove that you would have paid earlier even if you had had the opportunity. If 90€ was the standard fine and 135 was the rate with a penalty added, it would be different. If you see what I mean.
Oh yes. Result: a telephonic Gallic shrug followed by irritation when I asked for the flurry of disinterested French be slowed slightly (and my French isn’t bad!).
Oh well then Simon if it really is a concern to you I’d suggest you get one of your lovely keyholder neighbours to force open your mailbox - problem solved. In my view a family emergency completely trumps a tin box! Good luck.
Yes - been away from all social media for the last few days - funeral etc - but many thanks for all the helpful replies. I’ll be back by Monday, and see how much it’s going to cost.
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Oh dear… when you get back here… it might be worth making the Gendarmes your friends… perhaps it is my "weepy/helpless/female act that seems to bring out the best in them… 
Dear Simon,
I had a similar experience a few years ago. Got caught by a speed camera in Paris, enroute for a 3 week stay in the UK. However, it is not the date of the offence that is relevant, but the date of postage on the envelope. Rushed down to the gendarmerie in a panic, thinking I was out of time, to be met with guffaws of laughter from the gendarmes that I had been caught speeding in Paris. Was still within the time limit to avoid an extra fine.
Robert Hird (Now back in the UK permanantly).
Hi Robert
Well, I got back to France, found I’d missed the €45 fine by 2 days and paid €68. So, not too bad in the end.
Simon