England & Wales fixed penalty notice: does paying it mean I am convicted?

A fixed penalty notice generally offers a way to discharge liability for the specified offence by paying the fixed penalty within the stated period, rather than the matter proceeding to prosecution. The notice should state the alleged offence, payment amount and payment period. Official source: Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 for road-traffic fixed penalties; other fixed-penalty schemes have their own legislation. Guide: https://getinstantlaw.com/minor-offences-public-order