A black and white striped post with an amber light on top. These are used in Europe to warn drivers that they are approaching an intersection where the pedestrians have the right of way.

They are larger than the overhead flashing lights at pedestrian crossings; they also stay on all the time, while the overhead lights only come on when pedestrians press the crosswalk button. The beacons are often said to be more aesthetic, and they direct the driver’s eyes towards the crosswalk where their attention is needed. (I have the sneaking suspicion that I should be using the phrase 'zebra crossing' instead of crosswalk. Whatever.)

They are named after Leslie Hore-Belisha, who had them installed during his tenure as the British Minister of Transport (in 1934, to be exact). These were part of his campaign to bring a halt to the "mass murder" of pedestrians on British roads and highways. Despite being a Baron and, at one point, the head of the British War Office, Leslie Hore-Belisha's main claim to fame are these beacons.

In the past these beacons were often called Hore-Belishas.

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