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Families stopping to speak on the street would violate the six restrictions rule, the interior secretary said.
Priti Patel told the BBC that two families of four who stopped to chat on the way to the park were “absolutely mixed up.”
He said he would report his neighbors if they broke the rules.
The rules restrict indoor and outdoor gatherings in England and Scotland, and indoor groups in Wales.
The new measures mean that police can divide groups of more than six, with fines of up to £ 3,200 if people break the rules.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Ms Patel said that two families of four who stopped to chat on the way to the park were “absolutely mixed.”
“You have to put this in the context of the coronavirus and keep your distance, wear masks,” he said.
“The rule of six is about making sure people are aware and don’t put other people’s health at risk.”
The Secretary of the Interior added: “Mixing is people who unite. That is my definition of mixing.”
When asked if he would call the police about his neighbors if they broke the new coronavirus rules, Patel told BBC Breakfast: “I don’t spend my time looking at people’s gardens.”
Pressed further on the issue, she said anyone would want to “take responsibility” to help stop the spread of the virus, adding that if he sees gatherings of more than six, “he would clearly report it.”
Ms. Patel’s comments echo the facts by Police Minister Kit Malthouse, who suggested that people should call the non-emergency number 101 if they are concerned that people are breaking the law.
It comes when the national president of the Police Federation of England and Wales asked for guidance on implementing the measures.
Speaking to Good Morning Britain, John Apter said police officers on the front lines were “trying to interpret” the rules and were being accused of “asking (people) to turn on their neighbors.”
He added: “Maybe we should have guidance, because we haven’t had it yet.”
Government guidelines include exemptions for physical activities that can be done in groups of more than six, such as soccer, hockey, and netball, as well as sailing, angling, and polo.
Shooting, including hunting and paintball that requires a shotgun license or firearms certificate, is also exempt as an organized sport.
Previously, Ms. Patel defended the government’s record on testing, following widespread reports from people struggling to obtain samples.
She told BBC Breakfast that the government was “increasing its capacity” where it was needed.
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“Clearly, there is much more work that needs to be done with Public Health England and the actual public health bodies in those particular local areas, and as a government we obviously work with Public Health England to increase where there is demand in local hotspot areas.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the system faces a “huge challenge” after a “sharp increase” in people seeking a test. He said it would take “a matter of weeks” to resolve the issues.
