The Victorian government is cracking down on the "ride-sharing" component of the smartphone app Uber by issuing $1700 fines to drivers.

The app allows any motorist - not necessarily a licensed taxi or hire-car driver - to receive money for providing lifts, in addition to offering authorised taxi and private hire-car services.

Uber Sydney boss David Rohrsheim's media plan was accidentally leaked to Fairfax. Credit:Nic Walker

Representatives of Victoria's Taxi Services Commission have been using the app to take rides, thus identifying drivers in order to issue fines.

Commissioner Graeme Samuel said the commission had sent "well over" 30 fines to drivers and that there were more to be issued.