Clashes at Vic taxi protest against Uber

Taxi drivers protesting against ride-sharing service Uber clashed with police in Melbourne after they were directed to move their cabs that were blocking a busy city street.

More than 20 taxis blockaded Bourke Street near Spring Street for about an hour on Tuesday with drivers demanding the government crack down on Uber - which is currently illegal in Victoria.

Angry clashes were sparked when police asked for the cars to be moved, but the drivers left them blocking the street while they listened to speeches on the steps of parliament.

Some 30 drivers surrounded the officers for about five minutes, screaming that they had been let down by Premier Daniel Andrews.

Their protests weren't sanctioned by the Victorian Taxi Association, who asked drivers to stay away and put their customers first.

They were organised by the Victorian Taxi Families group, whose spokesman David Singh called on consumer affairs, ASIC and the federal government to look into the way Uber operated in Victoria.

The VTF want Uber operators to pay $40,000 each for a licence, receive 12 demerit points if caught operating illegally, and have their cars impounded, Mr Singh says.

Cabbie John, who did not want his last name reported, bought his taxi licence in 1989 for $125,000 and says he's making a stand because Uber and other ride-sharing companies are affecting his future.

He said the premier had promised to protect taxi drivers but nothing had been done.

Mr Andrews said his government won't be rushed on how to regulate Uber.

"To get it right is the most important thing," the premier told reporters.

Opposition leader Matthew Guy said Daniel Andrews has to put taxis and Uber on a level playing field, quickly.

The protesting group later drove to Mr Andrews' electorate office in Noble Park, where they plan to stay protesting until they get an answer.