The first alleged Uber operator to be prosecuted by the Department of Transport over accusations over breaching taxi laws appeared in the Perth Magistrate’s Court this morning.

Sukhwinder Singh did not enter pleas on two counts of operating a vehicle as a taxi in a controlled area without a taxi plate and one charge of operating a vehicle as a taxi without installing a camera surveillance unit.

The launch of ride-sharing company UberX in Perth six months ago has prompted protests by taxi drivers and debate over the future of the cab industry.

The charges under the Taxi Act carry maximum penalties of a $5000 fine.

Mr Singh, who was represented by lawyer Brendon Slattery and accompanied by Uber manager Tom White, will appear in court again in June.