Riyadh : The Saudi Interior Ministry has confirmed its readiness to allow women to drive vehicles in the kingdom, starting from June 24 after decades of a ban.

Assistant Minister of Interior for Operation Affairs General Saeed Al-Qahtani confirmed that all women capable of driving cars can do so, according to an Al Arabiya report on Monday.

He also said female drivers would be on par with males in facing penalties and fines in case of traffic violations.

“Those who will drive cars are our daughters, wives and sisters, and it’s our duty to remind them of rules and prevent any harm against them,” he said, adding that the decision to allow women to drive serves the country.

He highlighted that security checkpoints would be set up to deal with expected changes in traffic after the ban would be lifted, Xinhua news agency reported.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud ordered in September 2017 to allow women to drive cars after decades of restricting driving only to male citizens and residents.

The order was one of the major steps Saudi Arabia has taken to change the society in general and promote the foundations for a strong economy in particular.

—IANS