Uber has been banned in Italy after a Rome court ruled that it represents unfair competition for traditional taxis.

The court said Uber could not use its apps in the country and could not promote or advertise its services, following legal action brought by Italy's traditional taxi unions, Reuters reported.

Uber has ten days from the date of the court decision on Friday to shut down its services. Uber says it plans to appeal the decision.

A spokesperson said: “We are shocked by the Italian court’s decision. Thousands of professional, licensed drivers use the Uber app to make money and provide reliable transportation at the push of a button for Italians.”

Italian taxi drivers have staged a number of strikes, protesting against Uber’s presence in the country. They say the US ride-hailing service has an unfair advantage because, unlike normal taxi drivers, its drivers can purchase licenses in small towns where they cost less, and use them to work in cities, the Local reported.

Uber has faced opposition in countries around the world as its rapid expansion has hit established providers.

In pictures: Uber protests in France Show all 7 1 /7 In pictures: Uber protests in France In pictures: Uber protests in France France Taxi drivers on strike burn tyres during a national protest against car-sharing service Uber in Marseille In pictures: Uber protests in France France French CRS riot police face demonstrators as striking taxi drivers block the Boulevard Peripherique near Porte Maillot in Paris In pictures: Uber protests in France France A leaflet which reads "Uber stop, outlaw" is seen on a taxi as striking French taxi drivers block the traffic during a national protest against car-sharing service Uber in Marseille In pictures: Uber protests in France France French CRS riot police arrive to intervene as demonstrators block Porte Maillot in Paris, as hundreds of taxi drivers converged on airports and other areas around the capital to demonstrate against UberPOP, a popular taxi app that is facing fierce opposition from traditional cabs. Access to three terminals at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and in a number of areas of Paris, especially Porte Maillot, were blocked In pictures: Uber protests in France France Taxi drivers on strike burn tyres during a national protest against car-sharing service Uber in Marseille, France. French taxi drivers stepped up protests against U.S. online cab service UberPOP, blocking road access to airports and train stations in Paris and other cities In pictures: Uber protests in France France Policemen stand on a road as taxi drivers on strike block the traffic during a national protest against car-sharing service Uber in Marseille In pictures: Uber protests in France France Taxi drivers on strike block the traffic during a national protest against car-sharing service Uber in Marseille

London’s black cab drivers have staged protests against the service, which they say has an unfair advantage because it is subject to less stringent regulation and uses its international structure to pay less tax.

In February, Uber laid out plans it hopes will bring its long-running war with black cab drivers to a close. Uber now lets traditional black cab drivers book their journeys through the app without paying the company.