Baker, Walsh lay groundwork for testing self-driving cars

BOSTON – Gov. Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh are laying the groundwork for the testing of self-driving cars in Massachusetts.

Baker issued an executive order on Thursday that creates a nine-member working group to consult with experts on automated driving technologies and recommend possible laws.

The panel also will help develop the process companies must follow to get approval from state transportation officials for testing the vehicles.

The group will include the state secretaries of transportation, public safety and economic development, along with the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, the state highway administrator and four people designated by legislative leaders.

Also Thursday, Walsh signed his own executive order calling on Boston’s transportation commissioner to take the lead in developing guidelines within the city for testing self-driving vehicles.