The makers of the Oyster card have had its contract terminated today after links to despot Robert Mugabe were revealed.

German firm Giesecke and Devrient produce the travel smart card but also supply Zimbabwe with banknotes - a means the discredited leader uses to control his beleaguered people.

Mayor frustrated

Mayor Boris Johnson vowed Transport for London would not renew the firms contract, which is sub contracted out by supplier EDS. The deal runs out and the end of August.

Johnson told the Evening Standard:

"It is a huge frustration to learn that there is any link between the Oyster card and a firm providing services to Zimbabwe."