Driving in bus lanes is only prohibited during the times posted on the sign where the lane begins. A few are prohibited use ' at all times' but most for a few hours, mainly rush hours, say 7-10am and 4-6pm.
I sometimes travel for well over half a mile along bus lanes in London while everyone else is queueing, and no doubt cursing me and hoping I get a ticket. The thing is, I read the signs ! If anyone knows south London, the bus lane from Deptford to New Cross Gate is a classic example .
So, check the times on your particular bus lane - perhaps you've got nothing to worry about.