Riyadh — A special force for road safety in the Makkah region has redesigned traffic signs to address women as well as men.

“My brother and sister drivers, your commitment to traffic regulations protects your life and the lives of others,” the signs read.

Images of the signs have been circulating on social media.

Women will be allowed to start driving in the Kingdom from June 24, the General Department of Traffic Director General Maj. Gen. Muhammad Al-Bassami said on Tuesday.

“All the requirements for women in the Kingdom to start driving have been finalized,” Bassami was quoted as saying in a statement released by the government. He stressed that men and women will be treated equally before the law.

He said women are working in the Traffic Department in monitoring violations. Women are being trained to work in the field and in administrative functions.

Al-Bassami also talked about a computerized surveillance system for monitoring violations like not fastening the seat belt and talking on a mobile phone while driving. He said there is a possibility of adding new violations to the list in the automatic monitoring system.

In September 2017, a royal decree announced the end of a decades-long ban on women driving.

Women 18 years of age and older will be allowed to apply for a driver’s license. — Al Arabia English/SG