as it happens, I sold the car I used in this incident a few weeks
back. I was told that if you no are no longer the owner of a car that
tickets were issued to you don't have to pay them since auhorities
will eventually give up bothering you. Does the same thing apply to
driving in bus lanes?

You've sold the car YOU used in the incident??
So your logic being that though it was you in the
car, as you no longer own it, you're not liable??
I wonder if that logic would apply to murder-
"I did stab her with that knife but sold it the next day"
How did you ever get a licence in the first place....
Just thought, you probably are not licensed.....
nor taxed, nor qualified, nor insured..........