What is a Platform Switch?

[Vonsworld]

Please excuse me if this is a simple question...

I've always wanted to know what is a Platform Switch for?

Lots of our local station platforms have them, underneath the platform edge at regular intervals, sort of a vertical sliding switch with various settings?

Thanks

[swisstrains]

Hello Vonsworld and welcome to the forum.
The "switches" that you refer to are actually track datum plates.
Another member of the forum asked a similar question to yours some time ago.
http://www.railwayforum.net/showthread.php?t=3237
This is what the Network Rail Code of Practice says track datum plates should show:
• design level of the nearest rail of the track concerned;
• design value of the cant on the track concerned;
• horizontal design dimension to the running edge of the nearest rail of the track concerned;
• the track to which the marker refers if it is not the nearest track.

[John H-T]

Welcome to the Forum Vonsworld. Thanks for your question and to John for his answer.

Best wishes,

John H-T.