Uber drivers penalised

Drivers for ride-sharing company Uber have been issued with 15 cautions and 11 infringements in WA.

A parliamentary estimates hearing was told yesterday that action had been taken against 20 drivers for the company's premium service Uber Black by December 1.

Department of Transport managing director transport services Nina Lyhne said the infringements had been issued because the small charter vehicle drivers had not charged the minimum fare of $60 or had not completed the appropriate paperwork.

Regulations prevent charter vehicle drivers from accepting fares below $60 to prevent them from competing with taxis.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said he wanted to encourage innovation in the industry to provide better outcomes for drivers and passengers but he could not endorse behaviour that was inconsistent with the existing regulatory framework.

"Department of Transport consulted with WA Police prior to the launch of Uber Black and Uber X and continue to do so," Mr Nalder said. "Infringements so far are due to breaches of licence conditions."

An Uber spokeswoman said the company did not believe anyone should be fined for providing safe, reliable rides in their city.