Belgium – New European legislation mandating the use of tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) for all new commercial vehicles, including trailers, came into effect on July 7. Any tyre pressure change that exceeds 20% must be displayed (in real-time) on the driver's dashboard, alerting them to the issue as a safety precaution. This should enhance the safety of HGV transportation across the continent.

Vehicle tyre pressure is measured either indirectly, using an algorithm that calculates pressure based on wheel revolutions, or directly, using sensors mounted on the wheel rim, which monitors precise temperature and pressure. If the pressure is below normal, the driver is warned on the display screen inside the cab. This safety system is designed to reduce the risk of accidents, whilst also extending the service life of the tyre and minimise fuel costs (and CO2 emissions) by optimising the tyre's pressure and therefore performance.

This provides significant opportunities for the likes of Goodyear Operations SA of Diegem, Belgium (the EMEA division of Goodyears Corporation) and Aspöck Systems GmbH of Peuerbach, Austria, both of which manufacture TPMS systems.