Russians take to the road in mass protest against Vladimir Putin

The cars jammed the inner lanes all along the 10-mile Garden Ring, which has as many as 16 lanes of traffic at its widest points.

More protesters stood along the side of the road waving white ribbons and flags as the cars passed, their horns blaring.

White ribbons became an opposition symbol during demonstrations to protest against alleged fraud in a December 4 parliamentary election said to have boosted the results for Mr Putin’s party.

Tens of thousands turned out for two mass protests last month to demand free and fair elections, and protest organisers are now preparing for a third big demonstration on Saturday.

Mr Putin is running in a March 4 presidential election to reclaim the post he held from 2000 to 2008. He is expected to win, but is under pressure to show he can win fairly.

Today’s action was seen as helping to build momentum for the protest movement and it provided another outlet for the creativity that has been a defining feature of the demonstrations.

While most drivers were content to tie white ribbons and balloons to their car antennas, sideview mirrors and door handles, some decorated their vehicles with original signs and banners.