5 . Official figures show that 101 people were killed in road accidents on the streets of London last year. The city wants to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on the capital’s roads to zero. It seems impossible. But it focuses more minds on an important question: What can help reduce accidents in a big city? Transport for London (TfL), the capital’s road and rail authority, has some answers: safe speeds, safe vehicles and so on.

A safety standard for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), which harnesses blind area cameras and sensors (传感器), is pioneering. Blind area cameras and sensors are widely placed where they are needed. The European Commission has followed it. TfL has also helpfully identified London’s most dangerous places. Half of Britain’s most dangerous roads run through the capital. Around three-quarters of accidents that cause deaths or serious injuries happen at crossing near the British Museum, which has been the site of the most deaths since 2012. Westminster is the most dangerous area for walkers and cyclists, so it introduced 20 mph speed limits on all its roads in 2021.

“Vision Zero” was launched in 2018. Deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads have fallen — by 53% and 40% respectively in 2022. But movement is not one-way. Deaths were record breakingly low in 2020 and 2021. But in 2022 the deaths rose again. “We are moving in the right direction,” says Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner.

Lack of funds for TfL has put off improving the riskiest areas. Only a few parts of the1010 Avenue have bike paths with guardrails (护栏). Safety is the biggest problem to people taking up cycling or letting their children walk or cycle. But greener vehicles may be unsafe themselves. Electric scooters (滑板车) are the latest ones to confuse planners. “One of those doing 50 mph down the road is not good for anybody,” said Mr Norman.

1. What is the author’s purpose in writing paragraph 1?

A．To make the article interesting.

B．To stress the importance of TfL.

C．To call on scientists to study the question.

D．To give some background information.

2. What does the underlined word “harnesses” mean in paragraph 2?

A．Compares.

B．Removes.

C．Uses.

D．Replaces.

3. What is the Will Norman’s attitude to the “Vision Zero”?

A．Doubtful.

B．Supportive.

C．Puzzled.

D．Unclear.

4. What does the author intend to tell us in the last paragraph?

A．Bike lanes are not safe anymore for riders on roads.

B．Children should think twice when taking up cycling.

C．Safety has been a problem for some eco-friendly vehicles.

D．Electric scooters have become the biggest confusion for planners.