Uber bans taxi inspectors: Nalder

Uber avoids prosecution by banning government compliance officers from using its taxi service, according to Transport Minister Dean Nalder.

Mr Nalder told 6PR yesterday that Uber was a non- compliant service and, when possible, drivers would be stopped and charged.

But he said policing Uber and ensuring it complied with all relevant regulations was proving difficult.

"They (Uber) actually blacklist any of the compliance officers that sit within the Department of Transport," he said.

Mr Nalder said he did not know how Uber got the names and details of the department's 18 compliance officers.

The San Francisco-based technology company yesterday launched its low-cost ride-sharing service that promises to undercut taxi fares by up to 30 per cent.

The UberX service is available to Perth customers via its smartphone app.

In response to Mr Nalder's claim, an Uber spokesman said: "All riders must comply with our terms of use and through our quality assurance feedback at the completion of all trips.

"We can make sure the experience is positive for rider and driver alike."

Mr Nalder said the Government's concern about UberX was that it might be using unlicensed vehicles the department had not inspected or did not have the correct insurance cover.

Australian Taxi Federation president Dennis Julian said it was time for the WA Government to get tough with Uber and enforce the same regulations and standards imposed on the taxi industry.

"We are not scared of competition," he said. "In fact, we welcome it. But the competition needs to be on a level playing field."

Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Brown said police would watch Uber closely because it was unregulated.

Premier Colin Barnett said that though he recognised there was demand for Uber's service and that the company's offering would spur taxis to lift their service standards, he had big concerns about safety.