Police in Fresno, California said the drivers of two vehicles spotted travelling at more than 80mph on a road with a 40mph speed limit “were found to be mother and son”.

The incident – in which the cars were seen “dangerously weaving around other vehicles” – took place on Sunday, which is Mother’s Day in the US and much of Europe.

Writing on Facebook, the force joked: “Flowers, brunch, dinner, maybe even a spa day… that’s how most of us spent yesterday with our moms. But not these two.”

Both mother and son were charged with reckless driving and have had their vehicles impounded.