The first day of women being allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia was marked with chaos across the country, with hundreds of new female drivers accused of obeying traffic laws.

Among the many charges made against women drivers were the keen observation of speeds limits, correct use of indicators and, above all, a sensible approach to road usage.

“I saw one of these women stop at a red light,” complained one angry male driver. “This sort of anarchic behaviour sets a dangerous precedent and is exactly why they shouldn’t be allowed on the roads.”

Said another: “The courtesy they showed to other drivers on the road was practically haram.”