Belisha Beacons

From Murder is Easy by Agatha Christie.  Written in 1939.

“Jimmy Lorrimer was one of Luke’s oldest friends. As a matter of course, Luke stayed with Jimmy as soon as he got to London. It was with Jimmy that he sallied forth on the evening of his arrival in search of amusement. It was Jimmy’s coffee that he drank with an aching head the morning after, and it was Jimmy’s voice that went unanswered while he read twice over a small insignificant paragraph in the morning paper.

“Sorry, Jimmy,” he said, coming to himself with a start.

“What were you absorbed in—the political situation?”

Luke grinned.

“No fear. No, it’s rather queer—old pussy I travelled up with in the train yesterday got run over.”

“Probably trusted to a Belisha Beacon,” said Jimmy. “How do you know it’s her?”

“Of course, it mayn’t be. But it’s the same name—Pinkerton—she was knocked down and killed by a car as she was crossing Whitehall. The car didn’t stop.”

“Nasty business,” said Jimmy.

“Yes, poor old bean. I’m sorry. She reminded me of my Aunt Mildred.”

Belisha Beacon - now there's a phrase I haven't hear in forever.  I first encountered them in England in the mid-1960s (where they originated in 1935).  I was of that age where you are learning all the rules of pedestrian safety.  Probably around six years old.  Hold Mama's hand.  Cross at the zebra crossing.  Look left, look right, look left again.  Look for the Belisha Beacons.  

Here is a picture of a contemporary crossing.  

Click to enlarge.

I wonder if people in England still refer to them as Belisha Beacons.  I don't recall hearing the term the last time I lived there in 2003 nor in my many trips since then.  I'll have to ask my sisters.