Uber has urged its 3.5 million customers in the capital to sign it and also promised to "immediately" launch an appeal.

“We are sure Londoners will be as astounded as we are by this decision,” Tom Elvidge, Uber’s general manager in London, wrote in an email to customers.

“By trying to ban the app from the capital, the Mayor and TfL have caved in to a small number of people who want to restrict consumer choice.

“Not only will this decision deprive you of the choice of a convenient way of getting about town, it will also put more than 40,000 licensed drivers who rely on our app out of work.

“We will be immediately challenging this decision in court. If you want to continue using the Uber app in London - and to defend the livelihoods of 40,000 licensed drivers - please sign this petition urging the Mayor to think again.”