If a train has verbal permission from the Dispatcher to proceed, what should the crew do if the signal is at Stop?

When a train receives verbal permission from the Dispatcher to proceed but encounters a signal displaying a Stop indication, the proper action is to stop at the signal before proceeding. This procedure is crucial for maintaining safety and ensuring that the train crew has clear visibility of the situation ahead.

Stopping at the signal provides the crew the opportunity to assess any potential hazards or conditions that may exist beyond the signal, which they may not be aware of even with dispatcher permission. It acts as a critical safety measure to prevent accidents and ensures that the train crew complies with established operating rules, thereby avoiding unauthorized movement beyond a stop signal.

Following this protocol reinforces the importance of signals and the rules governing their use, ensuring that safety is always prioritized on the railway.