Activists seeking an end to Saudi Arabia's ban on women driving have dropped plans to hold a ''drive-in'' after threats of action against anyone getting behind the wheel.

Instead, rather than making Saturday a symbolic day, they have called for an open-ended campaign.

''Out of caution and respect for the Interior Ministry's warnings … we are asking women not to drive [on Saturday] and to change the initiative from an October 26 campaign to an open driving campaign,'' activist Najla al-Hariri said.

Several women said they received telephone calls from the ministry, which openly warned on Thursday of measures against activists who chose to participate, asking them to promise not to drive on Saturday.

Ministry spokesman General Mansour al-Turki said: ''Women in Saudi are banned from driving, and laws will be applied against violators and those who demonstrate in support'' of this cause.

On Wednesday, the ministry said it would crack down on anyone who attempted to ''disturb public peace'' by congregating or marching ''under the pretext of an alleged day of female driving''.

Activists have repeatedly insisted throughout their campaign that no demonstrations would be held in the ultra-conservative absolute monarchy, which officially bans public gatherings.

Over the past two weeks, videos posted online have shown women already driving in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi women are forced to cover from head to toe and need permission from a male guardian to travel, work and marry.

AFP