TAXI drivers have warned that "cab wars" could break out across the Island if moves to scrap tough zoning laws are given the go-ahead.

The stark warning follows the latest moves by the Isle of Wight Council to "de-zone" the Island's taxis.

Under plans put to the council's fire and public safety committee this week, the Island would become one giant zone, which would mean drivers could be hailed from anywhere.

The moves are supported by the Island's Chamber of Commerce. The council also claims the move could result in cheaper fares.

However, drivers say that scrapping the laws would mean cab firms would cherry-pick from the most profitable areas, leaving some places with inadequate numbers of taxis.

The free-for-all would mean some drivers could go out of business.

In a statement to the committee, members of the Isle of Wight Taxi Proprietors' Association claimed the plans were ill-conceived and ill-researched.

Association secretary Des White warned committee members that if the council opted to de-zone the Island it would lead to full deregulation.

He said: "Taxis are going to work the most profitable ranks. They are going to go where the money is. If you can't get on your rank you could be driving round all day. That means our costs are going to go up. It is more money coming out of our pockets."

He was backed by Roger Coombes, owner of the Newport-based Alpha Group.

In a letter to the committee, Mr Coombes said there would be no long-term benefits if de-zoning took place, adding there was no evidence it would mean lower fares.

He predicted cab wars would break out on the Island if the proposals were given the go-ahead.

He said: "Drivers will resort to going to the ranks of 'migrant' drivers on their busy times as a form of tit for tat. An example of this is Cowes Week, which is the most profitable week for Cowes drivers.

"This extra income helps them to get through the quieter winter season.

"Out-of-area taxis descending on Cowes will reduce their income considerably."

But plans to de-zone were supported by Councillor Vic Morey. He said: "The general public don't understand how zones operate at all. They just don't understand why they can't take a taxi anywhere. They can't see any point in it. The taxi drivers will not lose anything by it whatsover. If anything, it will enhance their trade."

Members of the committee voted to recommend to the Island's executive that a single zone was adopted but said that additional consultation should also take place before a report was presented to members.